Medicare seminar at O’Neill Center helps keep community informed
Sarah Florimonte, Community Liaison for Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program, discusses commercials on TV aimed at Medicare age citizens to enroll in a plan. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
Sarah Florimonte, Community Liaison for Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program, discusses commercials on TV aimed at Medicare age citizens to enroll in a plan. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
Sarah Florimonte, Community Liaison for Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program, discusses commercials on TV aimed at Medicare age citizens to enroll in a plan. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
Sarah Florimonte, Community Liaison for Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program, discusses commercials on TV aimed at Medicare age citizens to enroll in a plan. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
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Approximately 30 residents attended the Medicare 101 seminar hosted by Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program at the O'Neill Center in Marietta Thursday.
Sarah Florimonte, Community Liaison for OSHIIP, conducted the session. She began by describing the difference between Medicare's Part A and B, which she referred to as Original Medicare
"Medicare is divided up into Part A and Part B.The main reason for this division is that Medicare does not pay 100% of Medicare costs. Because of that, where the services that you receive fall under the two different parts will determine what your cost responsibility is," she said.
Medicare Part A covers hospitalizations, hospice, and nursing facilities. Part B includes doctor office visits, outpatient services, and preventive services.
"I recommend you familiarize yourself with all these preventive benefits," Florimonte said. "Anecdotally, I've been doing this for almost six years and believe not everyone who's on Medicare is taking advantage of their preventive benefits."
Florimonte said in addition to Part A and B, enrollees can choose a supplemental health plan for services not covered by Medicare, along with a prescription drug plan called Part D. Both can be chosen through a private insurance company. For a combined option, enrollees can choose a Medicare Advantage plan, which includes parts A, B, and D.
A "Medicare 101" brochure was given to attendees. It included 24 pages of information ranging from eligibility requirements to types of coverage enrollees can choose from.
Florimonte said the main goal of her presentation is to present information without bias.
"We're not here to make recommendations. We like to present information in an unbiased way and let the person make their decision," she said.
Florimonte said the most important aspect is knowing how one's individual plan works.
"Know your options. It's also important when talking to your neighbors. Not everyone has the same plan and everyone gets more confused," she said.
Connie Huntsman, the O'Neill Center Executive Director, said they've worked with OSHIIP for years to bring representatives like Florimonte to educate the public.
"Medicare's information is overwhelming," she said. "We're trying to bring the information to Marietta. We're here to simplify the process."
Belmont County resident Max Burkhart works in Marietta and decided to attend the session.
"It was eye opening to hear all of the information and realize all the help that's available from OSHIIP," he said.
OSHIIP is a program provided by the Ohio Department of Insurance. The organization provides a phone line for questions about Medicare or assistance in finding available plans in one's area. The number is (800) 686-1578 and business hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.