All things Medicare & you

SENIOR LIVING ALL THINGS MEDICARE & YOU

written by SUSAN HURD

RSVP PROJECT MANAGER GUARDIANSHIP CARE MANAGER AND COMMUNITY EDUCATOR WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING INC./AREA AGENCY ON AGING

Can you believe it? It’s that time of year again, when everyone with traditional Medicare needs to make time to review their 2021 Medicare Part D plan, which helps pay for prescriptions.

Is it still the best plan for you?

Medicare Part D open enrollment is held annually from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Did you know that looking at this plan annually can potentially save Medicare recipients thousands of dollars? Think about what $1,000 can do for you or your loved ones.

Would you like help with reviewing your 2021 Medicare Part D plan?

We have great news for you: The Washington County of Commission on Aging offers assistance through one of its Senior Health Insurance Programs.

First, you’ll need a few things: a list of the medications you are currently taking, your new Medicare card and - if you reviewed your plan last year - your username and password. Then you will be ready to go to myMedicare.gov and input the requested information as prompted.

Does navigating the web on your own raise your blood pressure a little bit? Don’t worry, there are several ways that we can assist during open enrollment.

We are offering biweekly virtual workshops at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays through Dec. 2. Classes fill up quickly, so call 301-790-0275 to register. The workshops will teach you how to navigate the plan finder at www.myMedicare.gov to make sure you and/or your loved one is enrolled in the Medicare Part D plan that best fits your budget or situation. It will also teach you how to compare plans and enroll in the 2021 Medicare Part D plan of choice.

We also will offer appointments for telephone assistance. Due to COVID-19, we have a limited number of in-person appointments available. For all in-person sessions, please bring your medication list, Medicare card, username and password, along with photo identification.

If you are interested in obtaining help with reviewing your Medicare Part D plan, call us at 301-790-0275.

Do you simply want to learn more about Medicare? The Commission on Aging staff will walk you through the “Art of Medicare” from 1 to 3 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month. Registration is required at www. eventbrite.com/e/new-to-medicare-workshop-online-tickets-111698984670.

The staff also will help you understand supplemental Medicare policies from 1 to 3 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Registration is required at www.eventbrite. com/e/supplementing-medicare-what-you-need-to-knowtickets-112648671208.

For information, contact us at info@wccoaging.org or call 301-790-0275.

A variety of informational and educational offerings are available to support you and your loved ones. Check out our Facebook page for details: facebook.com/ WCCOAging. — Places