Class can help clear confusion on Medicare

New to Medicare? Need some answers?

The transition to becoming a Medicare beneficiary has become more and more complex. A good understanding of the various components of Medicare Parts A, B, C and D are helpful as a person makes decisions going into Medicare.

Recognizing the complexity of this pr

ocess, the Senior LinkAge Line staff of the Central Minnesota Council on Aging has prepared a course, New to Medicare, to address these issues. Some of the important topics to be discussed are as follows:

What is Part A, Part B?

What does Medicare cost the beneficiary?

What is Original Medicare? Does it cover everything?

What is supplemental health coverage?

What is a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Is there help to cover Part B and Part D costs?

Is a Part D drug plan needed?

What is the most cost effective drug plan for an individual?

The New to Medicare class is offered at various locations. A session is offered at the Lakes Area Senior Activity Center in Brainerd on a monthly basis. People can call the Senior LinkAge Line at (800) 333-2433 for further information and registration for the class. Or, call the community education offices in the following communities for information on classes in Brainerd, Crosby, Pine River-Backus and Pequot Lakes.

The CMCA serves a 14-county area in central Minnesota. The agency is funded through the Older Americans Act, the Minnesota Board on Aging and some local United Way agencies. The agency does not sell any insurance product. Staff and volunteers are prepared to offer information, counseling and assistance only.

KATHIE PHILLIPS is a senior advocate for the Senior LinkAge Line.