On Wednesday, October 21, from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm, Union County SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) counselors will host an open house at SAGE Eldercare, 290 Broad Street, Summit. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with counselors and ask questions to find the right prescription and Medicare managed care plans for the coming year.
Medicare Open Enrollment, which is annually from October 15 to December 7, is a good time to double-check Medicare and prescription drug plans for the coming calendar year for plans beginning on January 1. SAGE Eldercare SHIP counselors are presently taking appointments to assist area older adults with their Medicare-related options during the open enrollment period. Appointments at SAGE Eldercare can be scheduled by calling 908.273.6999.
“During the Medicare open enrollment period, it is a good idea to reassess your coverage and costs, which can change yearly. Even if your current Medicare advantage plan and your drug prescription benefits are working for you, it’s a good idea to check your plan,” stated Elyse Drucker, Union County SHIP counselor at SAGE Eldercare. “The only way to save on your health care costs is compare the current plan to other Medicare plans available to you, either offered by your provider or other health insurance companies.“
It is also recommended that you obtain advice and guidance from someone who is not affiliated with a particular health care insurance company so that you can compare plans. Personalized Medicare counseling is available, free of charge, from SHIP counselors.
If you are 65 years or older or under 65 with certain disabilities, then you qualify for Medicare health insurance. The different parts of Medicare help cover specific services – part A covers hospital insurance; part B covers doctor’s visits; part C is also known as Medicare Advantage and offers health plan options run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies; and, part D covers Medicare prescription drugs.
SAGE Eldercare serves as the SHIP representative for Union County. Staff and volunteers are available for free, personalized, confidential and objective Medicare counseling on decisions about coverage; help with claims, billing, or appeals; and provide information on programs for people with limited income and resources, as well as to help you reassess your coverage.
To RSVP for the October 21 SHIP open house, please call 908.598.5548 or email education@sageeldercare.temp312.kinsta.cloud.
SAGE Eldercare SHIP counselors can be reached during business hours at 908.273.6999 or by email at ship@sageeldercare.temp312.kinsta.cloud. If you live outside Union County, visit www.medicare.gov/contacts or call 1‑800‑MEDICARE to get the phone numbers of SHIP representatives in other NJ counties or in other U.S. states.
Since 1954, SAGE Eldercare has been helping make the communities it serves an amazing place to age. The organization provides a wide array of information, support, and services designed to help individuals lead the most independent and active lives possible. From helping with errands, to exercise classes, community programs, care planning, and home health care, SAGE’s expertise helps older adults remain independent in their own homes. SAGE is committed to being the leading provider of programs and services to meet the changing needs of older adults, their families, and caregivers throughout Union, Essex, Morris, and Somerset Counties. For more information, please call 908.273.5550 or visit www.sageeldercare.org.
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Medicare Open House Photo Caption: Elyse Drucker, pictured, Union County SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) Coordinator, will be conducting an open house at SAGE Eldercare, 290 Broad Street in Summit, on Wednesday, October 21 from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm. SHIP counselors will also be available to answer Medicare-related questions and assist with Medicare Open Enrollment, the period between October 15 and December 7 for making decisions regarding 2016 plans. To register or obtain more information, please call 908.598.5548 or visit www.sageeldercare.org.