Medicare

This is the time to review your 2013 plan, change your plan, or enroll in a plan if you don’t already have one. If you are unable to attend a presentation and want MEDICARE assistance, please contact Clackamas County SHIBA, available year ’round at 503-655-8269.

WHAT'S HAPPENING: Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) staff explain the basics of Medicare at classes that will occur at monthly intervals in Linn and Benton counties. The classes are designed for anyone who already receives Medicare and would like a better understanding of their benefits, or for anyone who is  about to become eligible. Spouses and other relatives are welcome to attend the classes.

WHAT'S HAPPENING: If you will turn 65 soon and are wanting to be prepared when you are Medicare-eligible, this Medicare overview and question and answer session will help you sort out the myriad choices you will need to make before committing to a specific plan. Even if you have a year or more to go before you qualify for Medicare, it's not too early to start gathering information. If you are already receiving Medicare benefits, you will gain information here about any of the 2012 coverage changes brought about by the Affordable Care Act.

WHAT'S HAPPENING: Oregonians who are about to enroll in Medicare for the first time or who are considering new Medicare plans are invited to attend any one of several free enrollment events to get their Medicare questions answered. These are scheduled at the following libraries throughout the Multnomah County Library system.

WHERE AND WHEN:

WHAT'S HAPPENING: Seniors eligible for Medicare face big decisions during this time of year. Between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7, seniors have a choice of dozens of Medicare plans in their area, all with different costs and levels of coverage. Volunteers from the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program are conducting workshops throughout the state during this period of "open enrollment" to help seniors evaluate which program is best for them. Why is picking the right program so important?

Falling at home is one of the most common reasons why aging people have to give up living independently at home. But many falls can be prevented. These workshops in Newberg and Sherwood provide excellent tools for people who are at risk of falling at home -and their families – to get the information they need to stay safe. Participants will also learn about Medicare-covered options to improve balance.

WHEN:

For people who are soon to qualify for Medicare, deciding which plan fits their circumstances best can be a daunting task. To help seniors figure it all out, as well as help those who are already on Medicare but are considering changing their benefit plan, Medicare experts will outline the basics and answer questions at the following times and locations:

Lincoln City – August 23 at 10:30 AM (Apologies for the short notice on this event.)

Lincoln City community Center, 2150 NE Oar Place