“Medicare 101” events across the tri-county provide information to adults about to turn 65 or those currently enrolled in Medicare.
Bend, Ore., Aug. 20, 2019 – The Council on Aging is partnering with St. Charles Health System and the City of Sisters to offer free classes that help older adults navigate their Medicare options. The “Medicare 101” sessions are led by a Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) counselor, and provide information to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries about their Medicare choices.
“Medicare can be a confusing process. Many people are unaware that there are mandatory processes to complete before they turn 65. Others are simply confused by their options — what’s covered, what isn’t, and what kind of plan they will need.”
Jane Roger, SHIBA program coordinator for the Council on Aging of Central Oregon.
The classes will be facilitated by Miranda Mathae, Field Officer from the State SHIBA office in Salem. Topics will include an overview of the Medicare program, differences between part A and part B, other insurance options, prescription drug coverage with Medicare, secondary insurance, financial assistance, fraud protection, and marketplace plans.
Sessions take place in Madras, Prineville, Redmond, and Sisters. The schedule is as follows:
- Sept. 5, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. Charles Madras in conference room Metolius A
- Sept. 5, from 3 to 5 p.m. at St. Charles Prineville in conference room A
- Sept. 6, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Charles Redmond in the Juniper/Sage conference room
- Sept. 6, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the City of Sisters offices in the Chamber Room
Registration is required as space is limited. Call the Council on Aging of Central Oregon at (541) 678-5483 or email info@councilonaging.org.
The Council on Aging is the local SHIBA sponsor for the tri-county area. One-on-one appointments with certified volunteer SHIBA counselors can be made by calling the Council on Aging of Central Oregon at (541) 678-5483.
For updates and information about educational and social events for older adults in Central Oregon, follow the Council on Aging’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CouncilOnAgingOfCentralOregon or visit www.councilonaging.org.
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About the Council on Aging of Central Oregon
Since 1975, the Council on Aging has served as the designated Area Agency on Aging for Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson Counties, offering adults aged 60 and older and their loved ones a range of support services. A nonprofit organization, the Council on Aging advocates for, empowers and guides older adults and their loved ones to live with independence and well-being in age-friendly communities — places where infrastructure, policies and practices are developed to make the community livable, accessible and responsive to the needs of people of all ages, especially older adults.
Phone: (541) 678-5483
Website: www.councilonaging.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouncilOnAgingOfCentralOregon
Media Contact
Emily Burnham
Strategic communications and public relations manager
Council on Aging of Central Oregon
(541) 678-5483
eburnham@councilonaging.org