Navigating Medicare: Free Information Sessions

Oct 02, 2024

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Medicare Open Enrollment, which takes place from October 15 through December 7 each year, is a crucial time for individuals to review their health insurance coverage and make necessary changes. However, the process can be complex and overwhelming and often leads to unintended consequences.

To help individuals navigate the Medicare landscape and make informed decisions, local organizations are working together to host free information sessions titled “Avoiding the Pitfalls of Medicare Open Enrollment.”

“Medicare can be a confusing maze to navigate,” says Sarah Johnson, director of marketing, strategy, and communications at William Newton Hospital. “Our goal is to provide individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health coverage, especially since access to care is more challenging in rural communities.”

Three session options will provide attendees with valuable insights into the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, how various plans work in their community, and important factors to consider before enrolling. A brief presentation by Renee Price, PharmD, licensed health insurance agent and pharmacy owner of Graves Drug, will be followed by a panel discussion with local experts. Heather Irving, APRN, occupational health medical officer at SCK Heath, and Taylor Stonerock, business office director at William Newton Hospital, will also be featured panelists at some sessions.

A vaccine clinic will also be offered in conjunction with both Winfield sessions offering flu, high-dose flu, and COVID boosters.

Event Details:

• Cowley College Golden Tigers: Monday, October 14, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Cowley College Workforce and Community Education Center, 215 W. Chestnut Ave in Arkansas City. Snacks provided by SCK Health Foundation. To register, call Micah at 620-441-5225 or email.
• Cumbernauld Village: Thursday, October 17, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at 716 Tweed in Winfield.The vaccine clinic is immediately following. Snacks provided by Cumbernauld Village. To RSVP, call Miranda at 620-222-6275 or email.
• Winfield Public Library: Friday, October 18, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., at 605 College St in Winfield. The vaccine clinic is from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Lunch is provided by the William Newton Healthcare Foundation. To register, call the library at 620-221-4470 or go online.

These events are possible through collaboration and support from Cowley College Golden Tigers, Cumbernauld Village, Graves Drug, SCK Health, SCK Health Foundation, William Newton Healthcare Foundation, William Newton Hospital, and Winfield Public Library.

For additional assistance in evaluating health plan options, Medicare enrollees can schedule a free, individualized session at the Council on Aging to visit with a certified health counselor through Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas. For Arkansas City, call 620-442-0268. For Winfield, call 620-221-7020. The Community Health Center in Cowley County also has an outreach navigator certified for Medicaid and Marketplace plans. Call 620-402-6441.