SHIBA offering introduction to Medicare tomorrow

Local volunteers for the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors program share news about their upcoming informational session.

If you turn 65 this year, you need to get ready to enroll in Medicare. Depending on your circumstances Social Security may enroll you automatically. Otherwise you will have to submit an application to get Medicare coverage. Our presentation will help you understand whether you need to submit an application.

People enrolled in Medicare have decisions to make about how they will be covered. To make an informed decision you will need to understand a lot of new information. Medicare has its own vocabulary and rules. There are deadlines you need to meet and penalties — some lasting a lifetime — for not doing things at the right time. SHIBA’s online presentation will explain all of these terms and rules.

You will have to choose among several ways to receive your coverage. Medicare covers most health issues, but not everything. There are also federal and state programs available to help people with very low incomes and limited assets pay their Medicare premium and reduce their drug costs, and in some cases their Medicare copays and deductibles. Our presentation will give you the tools you need to make your decisions.

Join SHIBA volunteers tomorrow, Sept. 20, at 1 p.m. To register, email [email protected] or call 360-376-5892. You’ll need to provide your first name, last name, and email address.

SHIBA is overseen by the state’s Office of the Insurance Commissioner to provide free, unbiased, confidential counseling in San Juan County. The organization is sponsored locally by the Inter Island Healthcare Foundation.

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