Class helps beneficiaries scale Medicare mountain

Feb. 08--MANKATO -- Enrolling in Medicare at the right time can be as important as it is complicated.

To help beneficiaries navigate through the tedious process, the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging is again offering free classes this year on the first and second Tuesdays of the month at its Union Square office.

The two-part courses were first offered on a monthly basis in 2016, but they generated enough interest to continue it this year, said Debbie Bauleke, senior outreach specialist with the Agency on Aging.

She said she'll often hear from beneficiaries struggling to sign up on their own.

"They're often confused and not understanding all the steps they need to take to enroll," she said.

Claudia Perkins, of Elysian, said the process does seem daunting. She attended the class Tuesday because her husband will soon need Medicare.

"Considering how hard it is generally to negotiate the health care system even with insurance, it's hard," she said.

The first session of this month's course goes over the Medicare basics -- such as the differences between part A through D and when you should sign up for what. The second half next week will then include one-on-one training so the participants can actually go through the signup process.

Doing so online can be a convenient alternative to going through the Social Security offices, which are often busy, Bauleke said.

Thomas Rabe, of Winthrop, turns 65 in May. He said he'd have to wait until mid-March to start the enrollment process at his Social Security office, so he and wife, Bonnie, wanted to learn how to do so online.

The classes are one of a few services available to the Rabes through the agency. They could also be guided through the Medicare process over the phone through the Senior LinkAge Line or in person at the agency by appointment.

The classes, at least, often fill up. Bauleke said she hoped those approaching age 65 will continue to seek out the free help available to them.

"Help is out there, that's the message I want to get out," she said. "No one needs to navigate through Medicare on their own."

Follow Brian Arola @BrianArolaMFP.

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