Medicare is no longer a one-size-fits-all health insurance program. 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.
“Checking on Choices for Medicare” is an information-only event for current and future beneficiaries. There is no “best plan” or “best choice” that will fit everyone. The presentation will provide an overview of the primary options that consumers now have and the major considerations that people have to give in making the best choice for them.
The presentation will be held three times in November:
• Nov. 3 (12:10 to 12:50 p.m.) Pierce County Annex Main Meeting Room, 2401 S. 35th Street in Tacoma
• Nov. 5 (12:10 to 12:50 p.m.) County-City Building 7th floor, Rainier Conference Room, 930 Tacoma Avenue in Tacoma
• Nov. 8 (9:30 to 11 a.m.) Soundview Building, 3602 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma
“There’s good news and not-so-good news with Medicare” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, Manager of Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources. “The good news is that consumers can now make choices for their coverage that will offer the best coverage based on their lifestyle, medical conditions and budget. The not-so-good-news is that if consumers do not take a close look each year, they could end up spending money needlessly.”
The presentation will provide an overview of Original Medicare, Medicare Parts A, B, and D and Medicare Advantage as well as wrap-around coverage options. Participants will learn about tools to compare plans and the basic elements to consider for coverage that will provide the best coverage for the least amount of money.
“Checking on Choices for Medicare” will be presented by the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center and SHIBA – Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors. This is an information-only event for Medicare beneficiaries and anyone else interested in Medicare coverage. The event is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required. For more information call (253) 798-4600.
