Read below for an announcement from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs regarding free Medicare assistance and information services for the public: As Baby Boomers continue to turn age 65, the eye-opening age of Medicare eligibility, the reality of dealing with Medicare looms large. Many people find themselves uncertain about their Medicare options and the processes for enrollment. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program, in partnership with the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc. can provide the assistance you need to understand your options. SHINE is an unbiased information and counseling program that trains volunteers to provide free, confidential Medicare and other related health insurance guidance to Florida’s seniors and the disabled. Here in Pinellas and Pasco counties where over 400,000 residents are age 60 or older, SHINE is a vital resource. Each year SHINE serves seniors, retirees, the disabled, and other Medicare beneficiaries by providing free, unbiased information and an opportunity to speak one-on-one with a trained Medicare counselor. SHINE has a special opportunity to help the wave of Boomers who are reaching the age for Medicare eligibility. Individuals new to Medicare may enroll during the Initial Enrollment Period, which is the seven-month period (birth month plus the three months before and after) surrounding his or her 65th birthday. During this period, beneficiaries can enroll in Medicare Parts A, B, and D, or they may alternatively choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with or without drug coverage. All current and soon-to-be Medicare beneficiaries are invited to receive one-on-one SHINE counseling or enrollment assistance by contacting the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas at 800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111. Medicare beneficiaries who do not take advantage of their Initial Enrollment Period may make some coverage changes during the Annual Election Period from October 15 to December 7, with coverage effective on January 1, 2014. For more information, you may also call 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337), or visit us online at floridashine.org.
Posted on: Mon, 05 Aug 2013 12:45:30 +0000
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