Medicare Answers Through Virtual Seminar

Free Seminar Answers Complicated Questions From the Convenience of Home

Are you turning 65 sometime soon and wondering what your Medicare and other insurance options are? Perhaps you’ve lost insurance coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic and are seeking advice on how you can replace your health insurance. Washington Hospital’s Health Insurance Information Service (HIIS) can help you.

HIIS is a free, unbiased and confidential service that can help with questions on individual plans, group plans and government-sponsored programs such as Medicare, Medi-Cal and Covered California. “We can help you choose a health care plan, answer health insurance questions or direct you to a physician referral service,” notes Kristi Caracappa, the department coordinator.

On Oct. 18, at 3:30 p.m., Caracappa will present, “Medicare: What You Need to Know.” This seminar will provide viewers with information about Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) and Medicare supplemental insurance enrollment options; any upcoming changes to Medicare and/or Part D; and answers to questions about changes, choices and timing, among other issues.

This seminar will be presented live on Facebook and YouTube. Community members can log in to their Facebook account and go to the WashingtonHosp page. This will allow viewing and an opportunity to ask questions live. If community members do not have a Facebook account, they can view the seminar live through YouTube at www.youtube.com/whhsInHealth. Questions can be submitted in advance at Community_Outreach@whhs.com.

During her presentation, Caracappa will encourage everyone Medicare eligible, including those who receive Medicare benefits because of a qualified disability, to review their Medicare plan each year before open enrollment. “For example, there may be a new prescription drug plan under Part D that is less expensive and still meets your needs,” she explains. “Even if you keep the same plan, there may be changes to the drugs it covers, so it’s good to read through all the information and ask questions.”

Those with Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) also should review their plans annually, Caracappa says. Medicare Advantage is a Medicare-approved plan that combines Part A (hospitalization), Part B (medical), and usually Part D. Part C plans are run by private insurers and can vary, depending on which county you reside in. During the seminar, Caracappa will discuss the different ways to choose a Medicare plan based on one’s personal scenario. For example, what you should do if you are still working or if you are receiving veterans benefits but want to go to a private physician.

Washington Hospital’s HIIS also provides information on insurance options after a job loss or change, questions about changes in benefit coverage, understanding COBRA, and how to understand and prepare an Advance Health Care Directive. To learn more about how the service can assist you, call Kristi Caracappa at 510.818.7005.

Additional information is also available on the Washington Hospital website, go to Health Insurance Information Services.

To watch “Medicare: What You Need to Know” seminar on our Youtube InHealth channel, click here.