Turning 65 and Confused about Medicare?

Wednesday, March 26, 1:00 p.m, Orcas Library

— from Pegi Groundwater —

Medicare is the government funded insurance program available to people age 65 and older and persons who have been on Social Security disability for at least 2 years. It covers medical and hospital expenses and drug coverage is also available.

But the rules that govern Medicare are complex and you have many options to choose from. You can elect to stay with Basic Medicare, add drug coverage, select a Medicare Advantage plan or buy a Medicare Supplement.

Mistakes in signing up can mean you don’t get the coverage you wanted or you may have to pay penalties. There are also resources available to help pay for your Medicare expenses if you have limited income and resources.

To help guide you through the process and explain the options available to you, Pegi Groundwater, one of our trained SHIBA volunteers on ORCAS, will give a free presentation on Medicare 101, a primer on Medicare, at the Orcas Library community meeting room on Wednesday, March 26 at 1:00 p.m. Bring your questions and come learn more about Medicare. SHIBA volunteers are also available for individual consultations on Tuesdays and Fridays at the Orcas Medical Center. Call 376-2561 to schedule an appointment.

SHIBA is an educational program of the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner and trained SHIBA volunteers provide free, unbiased, and confidential information about Medicare. The Orcas Island SHIBA volunteers are sponsored by Island Hospital.