Get help navigating the Medicare maze
MAC offers multiple free information sessions
Medicare-eligible State of Maryland retirees (age 65 and older) will no longer receive prescription drug coverage under the Maryland State health plan, effective Jan. 1, 2019, the Maryland Department of Budget and Management, Employee Benefits Division has announced.
These Medicare-eligible State of Maryland retirees have until Dec. 31, 2018, to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan for prescription drugs, at their cost, to ensure there is no gap in their coverage.
Choosing a new drug plan, and navigating the Medicare maze, can be confusing at best. Where can you find help to choose the best Medicare prescription plan for you?
MAC, Inc., the Area Agency on Aging, is ready to help with DIY Medicare enrollment sessions, for those who want to go online and enroll themselves in a Medicare prescription plan. These services are free.
Do-it-yourself training
Do-it-yourself Medicare enrollment how-to programs are being scheduled throughout the Lower Shore.
Advance registration is required for these DIY programs. To register, call 410-742-0505, ext. 113, and leave the following information: Name, ZIP code, phone number, number attending, and if you are bringing a device, such as a laptop or iPad.
Currently, the following DIY programs are planned:
- Friday, July 13: Charles & Martha Fulton Senior Center, Snow Hill, 10 a.m.-noon. Registration deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 11.
- Wednesday, July 18: MAC Inc., Salisbury, 1-3 p.m. This program is full.
- Wednesday, Aug. 1: Westover Senior Center, 10 a.m.-noon. Registration deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, July 30.
- Monday, Aug. 13: MAC, Inc., Salisbury, 1-3 p.m. Registration deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 9.
Retirees’ dependents who have not yet reached Medicare eligibility will see no change in their coverage; they will continue to be eligible for both prescription drug and health benefits until they reach Medicare eligibility. Active State employees who are Medicare-eligible but are still working will likewise see no change in prescription drug and health benefits.
For more information about Medicare enrollment and how MAC can help, or to learn more about MAC services, call 410-742-0505.
Would like to attend the 6/4/18 seminar on Medicare prescription coverage for retired MD State Employees. How do I register?
I also would like to register for the”Do it yourself” session on 6/6/18. How?
You don’t have to register for the June 4 session, but I do suggest arriving about 20 minutes early.
To register for June 6, please email your Name, # attending, phone,
ZIP code, and if you will be bringing a device, such as a laptop or iPad. My email address is cfr@macinc.org
Gosh, looks like I missed all sessions. Are you offering anymore? I am State of MD retiree & will need to explore prescription coverage.
FYI, I come to MAC often re: cancer support programs.
Debbie: Additional DIY programs are planned:
Advance registration is required for these DIY programs. To register, call 410-742-0505, ext. 113, and leave the following information: Name, ZIP code, phone number, number attending, and if you are bringing a device, such as a laptop or iPad.
Currently, the following DIY programs are planned
Monday, July 9: Ocean Pines Branch of the Worcester County Library, 1-3 p.m. Registration deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday, July 5.
Friday, July 13: Charles & Martha Fulton Senior Center, Snow Hill, 10 a.m.-noon. Registration deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 11.
Wednesday, July 18, 1 to 3 p.m., at MAC Inc., Salisbury. Registration deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, July 16
Wednesday, Aug. 1: Westover Senior Center, 10 a.m. to noon. Registration deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, July 30.
My husband and I live in Florida so I cannot attend the meeting. Is their someone I can call that can help me?
Every state has its own State Health Insurance Program (SHIP). To find it, call your state’s Department of Aging. Hope this information is helpful. Good luck!
I would like to attend a seminar. Will there be any upcoming seminars in Carroll County Maryland?
Call the SHIP office in Carroll County at 410-386-3806, to see what informational programs they may have planned. SHIP is the State Health Insurance Program and is found in each county in Maryland. You are certainly welcome to attend a session on the Lower Shore, just keep in mind that registration is required.