Important Medicare info session on Oct. 25

Anyone on Medicare as well as family members and other caregivers should plan to attend “Medicare 2014 Updates and What You Need to Know to Change Plans” on Friday, Oct. 25 at 10 a.m. at Bemis Hall to prepare for the Medicare open enrollment period coming up.

The information session will offer residents details about changes in Medicare’s benefits and costs, as well as information directly from supplemental insurance companies, the state’s Prescription Advantage program, and the town’s Veterans Services Officer. The program will be presented by Don Milan, one of Lincoln’s SHINE counselors, along with staff from Minuteman SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Everyone…on Medicare), the senior citizens’ health benefits counseling program. It’s co-sponsored by the Lincoln Council on Aging and Minuteman SHINE.

It’s especially important to have current Medicare information now because this year’s open enrollment period, the primary opportunity to change plans, is October 15 to December 7. After that time, beneficiaries may only change plans under special circumstances, such as moving or losing employer’s coverage.

The program will begin with a general presentation about changes in Medicare, including what’s covered, what isn’t, and how much you’ll pay.  After that, Don Milan and Anne Meade, Lincoln’s SHINE counselors, will be available to answer questions.

Attendees will also have a chance to circulate among tables with representatives from the major supplemental health insurance plans serving Lincoln—Harvard Pilgrim, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tufts, Humana, Fallon, and AARP/United Health Care—to help residents learn about their products and get answers to questions. Also on hand will be representatives of Prescription Advantage (Massachusetts’ secondary prescription assistance program) and Priscilla Leach, Lincoln’s veterans service officer.

Mlan and Meade can also provide one-to-one counseling for Lincoln residents who need assistance in signing up for Medicare, choosing among plans, applying for Medicaid/MassHealth, deciding about whether long term care insurance is appropriate, resolving problems related to Medicare, and more. To make an appointment, call the Lincoln Council on Aging at (781) 259-8811.

Minuteman SHINE, a program of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and Minuteman Senior Services, provides accurate, unbiased information regarding health insurance and prescription drug options through community education and free, confidential counseling. Minuteman Senior Services provides a variety of services that help seniors and people with disabilities live in the setting of their choice. For more information, call 888-222-6171 or visit www.minutemansenior.org.