Staff Report

 

Are you a Medicare beneficiary?  Want to learn more about Medicare and how the Medicare Annual Coordinated Election Period can work for you? Want to stay informed and healthy and save money?

If so, then mark your calendars for an upcoming Medicare event that will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at the Briggs Lawrence Library, located at 317 Solida Road in South Point. The Area Agency on Aging District 7, which covers 10 counties in southern Ohio, including Lawrence, encourages Medicare beneficiaries to attend this important and helpful event.

The free event is made possible by the Ohio Department of Insurance’s Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP), which is traveling the state to help Ohioans, family members and caregivers understand the different Medicare coverage options and available financial assistance.  Medicare’s Annual Coordinated Election Period started Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7.  During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can evaluate their current coverage and make the determination on whether they should switch to a plan that will better support their needs.

Attending the event in South Point on Nov. 26 will also provide individuals with tips on how to enroll for 2014 coverage in a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) and/or a Medicare health plan. Beneficiaries may qualify to save an average of $3,900 on prescription drug costs and OSHIIP representatives will be on hand to help determine the qualification requirements for individuals.

Those on Medicare are strongly encouraged to attend the event, which will provide helpful information and assistance and provide an opportunity to speak with someone in more detail about Medicare benefits in addition to having any questions or concerns answered.  Those who are interested must pre-register for a counseling appointment by calling the Area Agency on Aging District 7 at 1-800-582-7277, extension 250.

For more information about the event or questions about Medicare, call the Area Agency on Aging District 7 toll-free at 1-800-582-7277, extension 250, or OSHIIP toll-free at 1-800-686-1578. Those with Medicare questions can also call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

A complete listing of available Part D and Medicare Advantage plans is available at www.medicare.gov.

Your local Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. provides services on a non-discriminatory basis.  These services are available to help older adults and those with disabilities live safely and independently in their own homes through services paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, other federal and state resources, as well as private pay.

The AAA7’s Resource Center is also available to anyone in the community looking for information or assistance with long-term care options.  Available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., the Resource Center is a valuable contact for learning more about options and what programs and services are available for assistance.

Those interested in learning more can call toll-free at 1-800-582-7277 (TTY: 711).  Here, individuals can speak directly with a nurse or social worker who will assist them with information surrounding the programs and services that are available to best serve their needs.

The agency also offers an in-home assessment at no cost for those who are interested in learning more.  Information is also available on www.aaa7.org, or the Agency can be contacted through e-mail at info@aaa7.org.  The Agency also has a Facebook page located at www.facebook.com/AreaAgency OnAgingDistrict7.