Medicare classes to be offered in Sanders County

SANDERS COUNTY - The Agency on Aging will be offering free three-hour Medicare 101 classes in Sanders, Mineral, Lake and Lincoln counties in October to help you with this milestone in your life. When approaching Medicare age there are decisions that need to be made in a timely manner. At first it can seem confusing and maybe even overwhelming.

When you turn 65, if you are already collecting Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits you will automatically be enrolled. You will receive your Medicare card in the mail. You will have Part A (hospital coverage) at no cost. You have a choice whether to start Part B (medical coverage), delay it, or refuse it. When your card comes, read the instructions carefully. The monthly premium for Part B coverage is $104.90 in 2013. If you miss your enrollment period you may have a late enrollment penalty added to your premium.

Medicare does not pay all your expenses. Besides the part B premium there are deductibles and co-pays. After that Medicare covers 80%, and the other 20% is your responsibility. There are options for additional coverage that you may want. Medicare Supplement plans or Medicare Advantage plans are available.

Part D prescription plans also have limited enrollment periods, and can have a late enrollment penalty which adds up for each month you go without creditable coverage.

Those still working or not yet drawing Social Security benefits will need to enroll in Medicare by contacting Social Security. This can be done online, in person, or by mailing in the correct forms. Those still working and planning to remain on employer health insurance should talk with their employer’s human resources manager as to what they require of employees on Medicare. If you’re retiring soon you should talk with them as to when your health coverage will stop, and enroll in Part B so as to avoid any gaps in coverage which may result in late penalties.

Sound confusing? We can help. There are trained and certified State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselors in all four counties to help you with Medicare. Call our office at 883-7284 or 1-800-266-4188 for an appointment. And watch for the Medicare 101 classes coming to your area in October.