The Rowan County Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program and Rufty-Holmes Senior Center presented an informative and well-attended seminar on Sept. 27 titled “Medicare 101.” Other similar programs will be scheduled in upcoming months.
The seminar was presented by Jeanie Schepisi, regional SHIIP Coordinator for the Piedmont area of North Carolina. Her program included information on the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), and basic information on Medicare and its benefits and features.
SHIIP is a division of the North Carolina Department of Insurance. SHIIP provides trained counselors who offer impartial advice to senior adults on changing or adding Medicare plans, especially Prescription Drug Plans. The Rowan County SHIIP office is located at Rufty-Holmes Senior Center and serves Rowan County residents.
A large number of North Carolina “Baby Boomers” are now turning age 65. Those consumers can receive information on Medicare eligibility from the Social Security Administration. After becoming eligible, consumers can receive Medicare information in several ways. They can make an appointment with a SHIIP counselor at Rufty-Holmes. Consumers can also access the SHIIP website at: www.ncshiip.com or they may speak with a trained SHIIP counselor at 1-800-443-9354.
Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period – Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 – is the time to make changes to your Prescription Drug Plan. Appointments may be made by calling the Rufty-Holmes Senior HelpLine at 701-216-7700 or 704-216-7703. There is no charge for this service but appointments are required.