Meetings cover Medicare choices for beneficiaries

Medicare is complex. Beneficiaries are faced with a wide range of options, many of which are very confusing. Medicare now offers beneficiaries 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.
“Your Medicare Choices” is an impartial, information-only event for current and future beneficiaries. It is offered by Pierce County Community Connections Aging & Disability Resource Center and SHIBA – Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors. The presentation offers a close look at the two basic options beneficiaries have and how to make the best choice.
The presentation will be held eight times in October:
• Oct 12 – 7:00 p.m. at the Gig Harbor Library, 4424 Pt Fosdick Dr. NW, Gig Harbor
• Oct 13 – 12:10 p.m. at the County City Building 7th Floor, 930 S. Tacoma Ave., Tacoma
• Oct 14 – 7:00 p.m. at the Sumner Library, 1116 Fryar Ave, Sumner
• Oct 15 – 7:00 p.m. at the Graham Library, 9202 224th St E, Graham
• Oct 19 – 12:10 p.m. at the Pierce County Annex, 2401 S. 35th St., Tacoma
• Oct 19 – 7:00 p.m. at the Lakewood Library, 6300 Wildaire Rd SW, Lakewood
• Oct 21 – 7:00 p.m. at the Soundview Building, 3602 Pacific Ave, S., Tacoma
• Oct 22 – 7:00 p.m. at the Summit Library, 5107 112th St E, Tacoma
“Medicare is 50 years old” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, Manager of Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources. “In that time Medicare has changed to meet the changing healthcare landscape. And it continues to change today. That means that beneficiaries have to take a close look at which options best suit their needs. What worked last year may well not work this year. It’s important that Medicare beneficiaries keep up to date with changes to Medicare.”
“Your Medicare Choices” will be presented by the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center and community partners. 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 event is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required. For more information call (253) 798-4600.