You know that Fall is in full swing with advertisements for pumpkin spice everything, football games and Medicare plans. To help deal with the ads and even phone calls, Kansas has set up Senior Health Insurance Counseling (SHICK) around the state, including sites in Great Bend and Hoisington. Available by appointment during the open enrollment period Oct. 15-Dec. 7, SHICK is a free program offering Kansans an opportunity to talk with trained, community volunteers and get answers to questions about Medicare and other insurance issues.
“SHICK counselors can help you understand your options during open enrollment and make the best decision for your needs. They can also help you with the enrollment process,” said Linn Hogg, director of Volunteers In Action of Central Kansas which sponsors the SHICK counseling. “During this time, you can make changes to your Medicare Part D coverage, such as switching plans, adding or dropping coverage, or moving to a different service area.”
SHICK counseling is available at the VIA office in Great Bend during the open enrollment period. Counselors will be available at Hoisington’s Clara Barton Hospital Green Street Conference Room on Nov. 1 and 2.
To schedule a local SHICK counseling appointment, you can call 620-786-7558 or 620-792-1614.
Here are some of the things you can discuss with a SHICK counselor during Medicare Plan D open enrollment:
• Your current Medicare Part D plan
• Your prescription drug needs
• Your budget
• The different Medicare Part D plans available in your area
• The financial assistance programs available to help you pay for your prescription drugs
If you are not sure if you need SHICK counseling, you can still contact them for information. They can help you understand your Medicare options and make sure you are getting the best possible coverage.
Here are some of the benefits of SHICK counseling during Medicare Plan D open enrollment:
• It is free and confidential
• They are not selling you a product
• You can talk to a real person, not an automated system
• The counselors are trained and knowledgeable about Medicare
• They can help you make the best decision for your needs
