Westchester To Offer Free Programs On Medicare Basics

Written By: Talk of the Sound News

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Introductory workshops on Medicare “basics” will take place this fall on Sept. 27, Oct. 24, Nov., 15 and Dec. 4 at the County Office Building, 9 S. First Ave., Mount Vernon.

The sessions are presented by the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) and will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the eighth-floor conference room.

All workshops are free, but early registration is suggested because the classes fill up quickly. To sign up, call the DSPS Medicare Information Line at (914) 813-6100, which is open year-round.

Case workers will provide information about Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D and explain how to use Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) for even greater savings. EPIC is a New York State-sponsored plan that helps eligible seniors pay prescription drug costs. They will also discuss Medigap insurance, cost-sharing and preventive benefits.

Seniors are also reminded that enrollment for Medicare Part D for 2012 will take place this year from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 for plans to take effect on Jan. 1, 2013.

For more information, visit www.medicare.gov or call (800) 633-4227, the federal government’s official Medicare online site and hotline.