SOSMagJulySeptember2020

Medicare OSHIIP Team L-R: Ron Watts, Patricia Whited-Stineman, Bill Beihl, Becky Baumgartner, Bill Radjewski, Keith Newton. Patricia Stineman, MSIG, CSA, Insurance Education Specialist / OSHIIP Trainer Health care costs are one of the highest expenses in a retired person’s household budget. Knowing who to call to learn about Medicare is more important than people realize. When you know your options, it may even save you money. Serving Our Seniors has an OSHIIP certified, volunteer Medicare counseling team. Every Medicare inquiry receives a return call from an OSHIIP certified counselor. We don’t sell insurance. We are consumer advocates. By that I mean, our Medicare Counselors can help you: • Find the best coverage during Medicare’s Open Enrollment October 15th- thru December 7th • Understand and apply for financial assistance programs to make Medicare more affordable. (This is based on income eligibility.) • Understand Medicare’s eligibility criteria for health care at age 65 or Medicare disability for those age 60-64. • Understand what Medicare does and doesn’t cover – and why. • Understand who pays first - Medicare or another insurance? • Understand how Medicare works with supplemental policies, retiree coverage, Medicaid, and other insurers. • Exercise your rights as a Medicare consumer. Monthly Medicare classes are held the second Wednesday of the month: See the Calendar of Events, page 4, for more details. Call Serving Our Seniors (419-624-1856) for any questions you may have about Medicare. Want to know more about OSHIIP? The State Health Insurance Information Program provides objective insurance counseling and assistance, a call-in hotline, webinars and a training program for volunteer Medicare counselors. OSHIIP Hotline 1-800-686-1578, https://www.insurance.ohio.gov Patricia Whited Stineman is the Medicare Education Specialist / OSHIIP Medicare Trainer for Serving Our Seniors and can be reached at 419-624-1856. Call Us for Help with Medicare If you worked part-time to supplement your retirement income and have been furloughed or let go due to Covid-19, you may find the following program helpful to stretch your retirement income and the afford health care you need. Extra Help - Pays for part or all of your Medicare Part D monthly premiums for prescription insurance and the co-pays are low. To qualify, must be age 65+, $1,615.00/ mo. single or $2,175.00/couple. Savings/investments $14,610.00.00 single person; $29,160.00/couple Programs to Help You Afford Health Care 23