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 information sessions, walk-in events during open enrollment (Oct. 15-Dec. 7), and appointments for one-on-one enrollment assistance. These services are free.

 

Medicare information sessions

 

Information sessions for Medicare-eligible State of Maryland retirees (age 65 & older), and others needing information on how to sign up for Medicare prescription coverage, are scheduled as follows:

• Wednesday, May 23, from 2 to 3 p.m., at the Crisfield Library
• Wednesday, May 30, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Delmarva Community Services in Cambridge
• Monday, June 4, from 2 to 3 p.m., at MAC, Inc.
• Tuesday, June 5, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Branch of the Worcester County Library
• Thursday, June 7, from 2 to 3 p.m., at the Pocomoke City Branch of the Worcester County Library
• Wednesday, June 13, from 2 to 3 p.m., at the Charles and Martha Fulton Senior Center in Snow Hill
• Tuesday, June 19, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Hurlock Senior Center

Do-it-yourself training

The following Medicare enrollment how-to programs are being offered for the  do-it-yourselfer:]\

Wednesday, June 6, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at MAC, Inc.

Tuesday, June 12, from 10 a.m. to noon, at MAC, Inc.

 

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.