Primer From page 10
“This change is a real positive,” Ms. Meagher said. “It allows more time before the holidays to talk to counselors and plan. It also coincides with employer enrollment periods. Previously, folks had to make a decision on what they had from a former employer before seeing what was out there with Medicare.”
Getting help Navigating the Medicare shoals can be tricky and it is a good idea to plan. “When you’re about to celebrate your 65th birthday, it’s very important that you take the time to think through your Medicare coverage,” said Dave Bruns, AARP Florida’s communication manager. “Sign up promptly and make sure you do your research on the options available to you. It can take a while to
FOREVER YOUNG - SEPTEMBER 2011 sort through this complicated issue and make the right choices, but you should take as much time as you need.” There are many resources available to help make informed choices. The first, if you already receive Medicare, is the handbook, Medicare & You, sent to each recipient in September. It is particularly helpful in letting recipients know about any changes in coverage and cost and the basics of what Medicare does cover. Medicare maintains a website, www.medicare.gov, which has the most up-to-date information. Those without computers can call 1 (800) 633-4227. The SHINE program is another resource that is a great help in figuring out Medicare and its related parts. Standing for Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders, SHINE is a state-wide volunteer-based program offering free Medicare and health insurance education, counseling and assistance. SHINE is administered in Florida by the Department of Elder Affairs. SHINE volunteers can offer free, unbiased information on Medicare;
Medicaid, the state-run program for those with low income; Medicare supplemental insurance or Medigap; longterm care insurance, prescription drug insurance or Part D; and Medicare fraud. They can also help beneficiaries apply for extra help with premiums if they meet income requirements. To locate SHINE assistance in Florida, call the Elder Helpline at 1(800) 9635337. There are 11 offices in the County and a SHINE counselor will call to make an appointment. While there are offices from Micco to Titusville, counselors can also provide help on the phone. AARP offers information about Medicare, as well. Visit the website at www.aarp.org. You can find good information on basic Medicare. Wading your way through Medicare is a challenging task but it’s important to get the best information to make informed decisions. Dave Bruns of AARP summed up why. “After all, you’ve worked a lifetime for this benefit. Make sure you get the most out of it.”
BREVARD County
HOMETOWN NEWS
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Boot From page 9
month, and Ms. Schullstrom offers a one-week trial period for $39. “You have to try it for a week to understand it,” she said. “If I can get them through the sore period, they realize they can do it and it’s not intimidating.” The camp started out for women only and the morning classes are mostly women. Men come to class in the evening and are welcomed. “We like having men around,” the instructor said. Her clients like being around. The instructor has a loyal following, including one woman who took the very first class Ms. Schullstrom offered. Others, including a husband and wife team, have been coming for several years. There’s a good reason. “It’s kind of addictive,” she said. For more information, call Diane Schullstrom at (321) 749-8361 or visit the website www.spacecoastbootcamp.com
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Friday, September, 2011