Medicare presentations scheduled for fair

Lower Columbia Community Action Program (CAP ), which sponsors the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) HelpLine in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties, will offer two free Medicare presentations: Looking at Medicare Part D and Getting Ready for Medicare on August 21 at the Wahkiakum County Fair in Skamokawa.

The SHIBA HelpLine is a free counseling service of the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC). Volunteers are trained by OIC to answer questions, make referrals, help evaluate and compare policies, and more.

Although anyone can attend both presentations, each presentation is directed toward a particular audience. Getting Ready for Medicare is for people who are not currently enrolled in Medicare, but may be enrolling soon. This presentation will help lessen confusion about Medicare, and help make the Medicare enrollment process easier. It will also answer basic questions about Medicare such as:

• What is Medicare?

• When do I become eligible for Medicare?

• How do I enroll in Medicare?

• What is Medicare Part A?

• What is Medicare Part B?

• What is a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Looking at Medicare Part D is for people who are enrolled in Medicare, but still have questions about the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). You can also find out about getting help paying Medicare premium and prescription drug costs.

Both presentations will be held in the Skamokawa Grange. Looking at Medicare Part D will start at 11 a.m. and Getting Ready for Medicare will start at 6 p.m. Both presentations will be about one hour long. There will be time for questions afterward. Space is limited and registration is suggested. For more information contact Mary Vik at 795-8630.