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 Tarrytown, NY - Times are tough. The nation’s economy is shaky. For retirees and others on fixed incomes, especially for those on Medicare, finding ways to control household budgets and healthcare costs is essential.
Mailboxes are filling up with Medicare plan offers but many seniors don’t know which option is best for them. The Westchester Library System (WLS), in partnership with the Medicare Rights Center, is offering a two-part program on Getting the Most for Your Medicare Money, to help older adults and their caregivers understand their Medicare options so they can get the most for their healthcare dollars.
The free programs will be held at the Grinton Will Library in Yonkers and the John C. Hart Memorial Library in Shrub Oak in November and December. Free individual counseling to help people select a plan is also available at the Health Advocacy Resource Centers (HARC) at both libraries.
With premiums for most major Medicare drug plans rising sharply in 2009, many people with Medicare have additional reasons to consider alternative coverage during the 2009 enrollment period, November 15 through December 31. “It is important for older adults to review their health coverage at this time of year,” according to Rober M. Hayes, president of the Medicare Rights Center, a national, non-profit consumer service organization. “Premiums often increase and the various plans change their covered and restricted drugs, as well as their patient cost-sharing policies,” he noted.
The “Getting the Most for your Medicare Money” program has two parts, one on prescription drug plans and one on health insurance plans at two locations:
Program 1: Choosing the Prescription Drug Plan That Will Save You the Most
* What is Part D and what does it cover?
* Understanding the “Donut Hole” and other Part D mysteries
* Making choices & changes now to manage your prescription drug costs
* Getting help to pay for your prescriptions through EPIC or “Extra Help”
John C. Hart Memorial Library, 1130 Main Street, Shrub Oak
December 12, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Grinton Will Library, 1500 Central Avenue, Yonkers
December 3, 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Program 2: Choosing the Right Medicare Health Plan Can Save You Money
* Navigating the maze of Medicare plan choices
* Original Medicare vs Advantage Plans
* Selecting the right plan for you at the best price
John C. Hart Memorial Library, 1130 Main Street, Shrub Oak
November 14, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Grinton Will Library, 1500 Central Avenue, Yonkers
November 12 and December 10, 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Individual counseling at the John C. Hart Library is available every Monday and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm. At the Grinton Will Library, counseling hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday and from 11:00 to 1:00 on Thursday. For additional information, please contact the John C. Hart Memorial Library at 914-245-5262 x227 or the Grinton Will Library at 914-337-1500 x315.
About the Health Advocacy Resource Center (HARC)
The Health Advocacy Resource Center, the first library-based collaborative center of its kind in the country, was established to help older adults and their caregivers to navigate through the confusing maze of health care information. Visitors to the Center have access to the vast array of Westchester Library System print and on-line health care resources, with guidance from trained volunteer counselors. HARC is located at the Will Library in Yonkers and the John C. Hart Memorial Library in Shrub Oak.
About the Westchester Library System
The Westchester Library System (WLS) includes 38 member public libraries located throughout the County and is one of New York State’s 23 public library systems. WLS and its member libraries have a total collection of 5.6 million items, including 4 million books, as well as audio recordings, videocassettes, DVDs, print serials, and other materials. Support from WLS helps expand and enhance the services and resources of local member libraries, enabling them to better serve the public. WLS also ensures that all county residents have excellent library service on-site and on-line. A sponsor of year-round events, WLS helps coordinate featured author events, the annual Book and Author Luncheon, and seasonal reading initiatives. The WLS Adult and Outreach Services Department offers improved access to library services for all residents, training and development of library personnel, services to disadvantaged youth, and the fee-based WEBS Career and Educational Counseling service. WLS celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2008.
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