Indiana SHIP Program Offering Free Medicare Counseling at Jasper Library

By Kris Norton

Jasper – Beginning October 15th, Medicare Open Enrollment begins, and Indiana’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program will offer free Medicare counseling at the Jasper Public Library.

The division of the Indiana Department of Insurance provides impartial Medicare counseling through volunteers, says Supervisor of Volunteers for Southwest Indiana Melanie Garland.

“We have trained volunteers and they will be able to help Medicare beneficiaries with their Medicare plan options for next year,” Garland said. “The Jasper Public Library has partnered with us to let us use their really nice, and modern meeting room – so that we can meet with individuals on a one-on-one basis and help them and help them plan and even enroll in plans for next year.”

Plan options for Medicare beneficiaries to choose from include Part D, or Drugs, Benefits, or a Medicare Advantage Plan. Both plans are well known by SHIP counselors.

“SHIP Counselors are very well-versed on the Medicare.gov plan finder, so we help Medicare beneficiaries navigate their options via this resource,” Garland said.

Garland adds that since this is the only open window for changes, individuals on Medicare should plan for how their coverage may need look a year from now.

“One of the things that individuals may want to consider during this time, is that it is the only time that you can make changes to your prescription drug coverage for the following year, Garland said. “Your prescription drug coverage could look different next year, so it’s always good to double-check that plan.”

To schedule an appointment, participants must bring their original Medicare card and a full list of their current medications.

Appointments are open on the following days through November:

-Wednesday, October 20 - 10:00am-4:00pm 

 -Tuesday, November 9 - 10:00am-6:00pm 

 -Wednesday, November 17 - 10:00am-4:00pm 

 -Tuesday, November 30 - 10:00am-4:00pm

Interested individuals may set up an appointment for one of these days by calling 812-567-2027. Appointments typically last less than an hour.

Medicare open enrollment will close on December 7th.