The Orange County Department on Aging is announcing that more than 120,000 North Carolinians will turn 65 this year. The department is offering SHIIP, the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program.
Turning 65 is a lot like turning 16. A 16-year-old doesn’t automatically get a driver’s license; instead he/she takes an exam and proves they are a safe driver. The specific order and procedure for getting a driver’s license is the same for enrolling in Medicare. Seniors must plan for becoming a Medicare beneficiary.
SHIIP assists those who are 65 and older to understand their options regarding Medicare. The program is a division of the North Carolina Department of Insurance and provides free, unbiased information about Medicare and other insurance-related issues.
Seniors are encouraged to contact SHIIP prior to Medicare enrollment, so as to avoid making decisions at the last minute.
Medicare choices depend on several factors, such as:
1. Are you retired, or will you or your spouse continue to work?
2. Will you have access to medical and/or prescription drug coverage through an Employer Group Health Plan?
3. How does your Employer Group Health Plan compare with Medicare supplement plans and Medicare Advantage plans?
There are other things to consider when determining your Medicare options. SHIIP has created a handout entitled, “The Road to Medicare.” It navigates the Medicare system and outlines the various options that are available.
To obtain a free copy of this handout, please call SHIIP at 1.800.443.9354 or visit SHIIP’s Web site at http://www.ncshiip.com
Appointments with a SHIIP volunteer counselor can be made at either the Seymour Center, 2551 Homestead Road, in Chapel Hill or Central Orange Senior Center, 103 Meadowland Drive, in Hillsborough.
For more information, please call 919.968.2070 or 919.245.2015.
