Forums return to help Stanislaus residents make decisions about Medicare coverage [The Modesto Bee]

Oct. 17—Medicare recipients can hear about changes in the federal health program for 2023 at public forums in Stanislaus County.

The annual forums to help people navigate Medicare HMOs were not held in 2021 and 2020 because of COVID-19. But the informational meetings will return this month in Modesto, Turlock, Oakdale and Patterson.

The public forums are organized by the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, which offers unbiased help with understanding Medicare benefits and managed-care coverage.

Seniors will see a decrease in what they pay for the Medicare Part B premium. Effective Jan 1, the monthly premium will be $164.90, which is $5.20 less than this year. The Part B portion of Medicare covers physician visits and other services.

Peter Bauer, an official with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, will talk about other updates in the Medicare program.

The forums also will provide information about more than 25 Medicare Advantage, Chronic Care and Special Needs health plans offered in Stanislaus County.

The fall open enrollment period for making changes to Medicare coverage next year began Saturday, Oct. 15, and runs through Dec. 7.

An Oakdale forum is set for 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Gladys Lemmons Senior Center, 450 East A St.

Other forums will be:

— Wednesday at 9 a.m., Hammon Senior Center, 1033 W. Las Palmas Ave., in Patterson.

— Oct. 24 at 1 p.m., Turlock Senior Center, 1191 Cahill Ave., Turlock.

— Oct. 26 at 1 p.m., Stanislaus County Veterans Center, 3500 Coffee Road, Modesto.

For more information about the Medicare program, county residents may call HICAP at 209-558-4540.

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