Medicare decisions and impacts explained in free workshops

Medicare beneficiaries are faced with a wide range of options, many of them confusing. There are two basic options – Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage – and dozens of additional choices within each path. Knowing the differences and how to choose can save people hundreds or thousands of dollars each year, which is why “Medicare 2021,” an information-only seminar for current and future beneficiaries, is being offered twice in October by Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources.

A close look at the options and how to make the best choice for individual needs and circumstances.will be offered online on:

“The Coronavirus pandemic has taught us two important lessons,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, manager of Aging and Disability Resources, a program of county government. “Healthcare is nothing to take for granted and we all need to prepare for the unexpected. Medicare continues to change to meet the changing healthcare landscape. People new to Medicare need a solid understanding of how the program works. Long-term beneficiaries need to take a very close look at changes to their coverage. What worked last year may well not work this year. It’s important that Medicare beneficiaries keep up to date with changes to Medicare.”

There are more than 61 million Medicare beneficiaries in the U.S. About 8.5 million under 65 are receiving benefits due to a disability. Over 1.3 million Washington residents – about 1 in 7 – are covered.

“Medicare 2021” will be presented by Matt Santelli, Community Education and Outreach Specialist with the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center.  This is event is intended for current and soon-to-be Medicare beneficiaries as well as adult children and other family members attending to another’s health care.  The online event is free and open to the public.  No RSVP is required.

For more information call (253) 798-4600.