“Demystifying Medicare” is a free, upbeat, comprehensive workshop for anyone who needs to understand how Medicare works — not only for people wanting to explore their options, but for those soon to be Medicare-eligible, approaching retirement, or helping relatives or friends with their medical decisions and paperwork.
A complete understanding of the whole system is key to making the best personal health coverage choices. Topics included are Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans, Medigaps (or supplements), EPIC, and cost-saving programs for people with limited resources.
People should be aware that recent legislative changes have affected broker commissions and the protocols for meeting with prospective enrollees. These changes may influence how information is presented and underscore the importance of seeking clear, complete, and up-to-date information when evaluating coverage options.
Volunteers presenting the “Demystifying Medicare” workshop and offering the individual counseling at the SBIC centers mentioned below are unaffiliated with any health insurance company, provider, or Medicare itself. They are HIICAP-certified counselors working in partnership with the Westchester Library System and Westchester County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services (914) 813-6100.
The audio version of this workshop, handouts, displays and upcoming presentations can be found at seniors.westchesterlibraries.org/demystifyingmedicare/. Pre-registration is requested at the numbers listed for each event, or on the WLS voicemail (914) 231-3236.
Walk-in SBIC (Senior Benefits Individual Counseling) sessions are available at the Hart, Will and Greenburgh libraries during Fall Enrollment, 10 am – 1pm: check seniors.westchesterlibraries.org/senior-benefits/ for updates. Some questions can be answered by phone if contact info is left on the Helpline (914) 813-6100 for a call back. It’s also possible to schedule an individual counseling session to meet with a counselor at a convenient location.
Sun., Sept. 27, 1:15 – 4:30pm HASTINGS
Hastings-on-Hudson Public Library, 7 Maple Ave.
Sat., Oct. 3, 10am – 1:15pm SOUTH SALEM
Lewisboro Library, 15 Main St.
Sun., Oct. 4, 1:15 – 4:30pm MONTROSE
Hendrick Hudson Free Library, 185 Kings Ferry Rd
Mon., Oct. 5, 5:30 – 8:45pm HARRISON
Harrison Public Library (Halperin Blg), 2 Bruce Ave.
Wed., Oct. 7, 5:30 – 8:45pm ARDSLEY
The Gerard J. Byrne Center, 11 Olympic Lane
Fri., Oct. 9, 10:15am – 12:15pm Short pgm BEDFORD
Bedford Hills Community House, 74 Main St.
Sat., Oct. 10, 10am – 1:15pm KATONAH
Katonah Village Library, 26 Bedford Rd
Thurs., Oct. 15, 9:45am – 1pm ELMSFORD
Greenburgh Public Library, 300 Tarrytown Rd
Sat., Oct. 17, 10am – 1:15pm BRIARCLIFF
Briarcliff Manor Public Library, 1 Library Rd
Sun., Oct. 18, 1 – 4:15pm YONKERS
Will Library, 1500 Central Park Ave.
Wed., Oct. 21, 9:30am – 12:45pm SOMERS
Somers Library, 82 Primrose St.
RYE Sat, Oct. 24, 10:15am – 1:30pm
Rye Free Reading Room, 1061 Boston Post Rd
WHITE PLAINS Sun., Oct. 25, 1:15 – 4:30pm
White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Ave.
CORTLANDT MANOR Tues., Oct. 27, 5:30 – 8:45pm
Town of Cortlandt Town Hall, 1 Heady St.
PELHAM Thurs., Oct. 29, 5:30 – 8:45pm
Town of Pelham Public Library, 530 Colonial Ave.
PLEASANTVILLE Sat., Oct. 31, 10am – 1:15pm
Mount Pleasant Public Library, 350 Bedford Rd
CROTON Sun., Nov. 1, 1:15 – 4:30pm
Croton Free Library, 171 Cleveland Drive
SCARSDALE Sat., Nov 7, 9:30am – 1pm
Scarsdale Public Library, 54 Olmsted Rd
SHRUB OAK Sun., Nov. 8, 12:30 – 3:45pm
John C. Hart Memorial Library, 1130 E. Main St.
EASTCHESTER Sat., Nov. 14, 1 – 4:15pm
Eastchester Public Library, 11 Oakridge P
