Medicare Open Enrollment, a time to review your Medicare coverage for 2018, is October 15 through December 7, and SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) at SAGE will offer free assistance.
A free program to discuss Medicare plans and options, and answer questions to prepare for open enrollment will be held at SAGE Eldercare, 290 Broad Street, Summit, on Thursday, September 14, 1 – 2 pm. The program will also be offered October 12, 1 – 2 pm, November 16, 6 – 7 pm, and December 4, 1 – 2 pm.
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. The counselors receive ongoing training from the Division on Aging Services, New Jersey Department of Human Services.
“It is 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 without any bias. Personalized Medicare counseling is available, free of charge, from SHIP counselors, such as those who volunteer their time at SAGE,” said Elyse Drucker, Union County SHIP Coordinator.
For more information or to register for the Medicare Open Enrollment programs, please call: 908.598.5548 or email: education@sageeldercare.temp312.kinsta.cloud. To make an appointment with a SHIP counselor, please call: 908.273.6999 or email: 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 amazing places to age. The non-profit 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 and delivering Meals on Wheels, to exercise classes, community programs and support groups, Medicare counseling, care planning, an adult day health care center, and home health care, as well as the SAGE Resale Shop and Furniture Restoration Workshop, 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 in Union, Essex, Morris, and Somerset Counties. For more information, please call 908.273.5550 or visit www.sageeldercare.org.
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PHOTO: Elyse Drucker, Union County SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) Coordinator, will discuss Medicare plans and options, and answer questions in free Medicare Open Enrollment programs. Held at SAGE Eldercare, 290 Broad Street, Summit, the first program will take place 1 – 2 pm on Thursday, September 14. For more information or to register for the program, please call: 908.598.5548 or email: education@sageeldercare.temp312.kinsta.cloud. To make an appointment with a SHIP counselor, please call: 908.273.6999 or email: ship@sageeldercare.temp312.kinsta.cloud.