Medicare changes place responsibilities on beneficiaries | Pierce County

Medicare is complex. Beneficiaries are faced with a wide range of options, many of which are very confusing. Medicare now offers beneficiaries two basic options – Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage – and dozens of additional choices within each path. Knowing the differences and how to choose can save people hundreds or thousands of dollars each year.

September 29, 2015 3:20 pm
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Medicare is complex. Beneficiaries are faced with a wide range of options, many of which are very confusing. Medicare now offers beneficiaries two basic options – Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage – and dozens of additional choices within each path. Knowing the differences and how to choose can save people hundreds or thousands of dollars each year.

“Your Medicare Choices” is an impartial, information-only event for current and future beneficiaries. It is offered by Pierce County Community Connections Aging & Disability Resource Center and SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors). The presentation offers a close look at the two basic options beneficiaries have and how to make the best choice.

The presentation will be held eight times in October:

  • Oct. 12 – 7 p.m. (Gig Harbor Library, 4424 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW, Gig Harbor)
  • Oct. 13 – 12:10 p.m. (County-City Building, 930 Tacoma Ave. S., 7th floor, Tacoma)
  • Oct. 14 – 7 p.m. (Sumner Library, 1116 Fryar Ave., Sumner)
  • Oct. 15 – 7 p.m. (Graham Library, 9202 224th St. E, Graham)
  • Oct. 19 – 12:10 p.m. (Pierce County Annex, 2401 S. 35th St., Tacoma)
  • Oct. 19 – 7 p.m. (Lakewood Library, 6300 Wildaire Rd SW, Lakewood)
  • Oct. 21 – 7 p.m. (Sound View Building, 3602 Pacific Ave., Tacoma)
  • Oct. 22 – 7 p.m. (Summit Library, 5107 112th St. E., Tacoma)

“Medicare is 50 years old,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, manager of Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources. “In that time Medicare has changed to meet the changing healthcare landscape. And it continues to change today. That means that beneficiaries have to take a close look at which options best suit their needs. What worked last year may well not work this year. It’s important that Medicare beneficiaries keep up to date with changes to Medicare.”

“Your Medicare Choices” will be presented by the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center and community partners. This is event is intended for current and soon-to-be Medicare beneficiaries as well as adult children and other family members attending to another’s health care. The event is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required. For more information call (253) 798-4600.

 

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