Four-part Medicare education series planned at Viroqua library

McIntosh Memorial Library of Viroqua is partnering with the Vernon County Aging and Disability Resource Center to provide a Medicare education series.

The comprehensive four‑part Medicare education series will be presented by Katie Skolos, Elder Benefit Specialist and SHIP‑Certified Counselor (Advanced Level) with the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Vernon County. This series is designed to help older adults, caregivers and community members better understand Medicare enrollment, coverage options, deadlines and how to make informed healthcare decisions.

All sessions are free, open to the public and held at in the library's conference room.

Medicare Mysteries Explained

Date: Tuesday, May 12, 10 to 11a.m.

Medicare Mysteries Explained - In this class participants will learn details about all parts of Medicare A, B, C & D. When you need to sign up or if you should delay enrollment. The costs associated with Medicare premiums, co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles will be shared plus information about

GAPS to original Medicare and explaining why it isn't a good idea to have just original Medicare. Lastly, Skolos will discuss the difference in Medigap Insurance & Medicare Advantage and briefly touch on Senior Care, Medicaid & Medicare Savings programs.

Enrollment Periods, Deadlines & Late Enrollment Penalties

Date: Tuesday, June 9, 10 to 11a.m.

Enrollment Periods - Deadlines & Late Enrollment Penalties – In this class information about the five different enrollment periods of Medicare and the penalties involved if you don't follow them will be shared. The class will also provide examples of the late enrollment penalties for Part B & D and how this will remain in effect for the duration of your lifetime.

Medicare Insurance in Vernon County

Date: Tuesday, July 14, 10 to 11 a.m.

Medicare Insurance in Vernon County - This class will cover the plans currently available in Vernon County for 2026.

Annual Notice of Change & Using Medicare Planfinder

Date: Tuesday, Aug. 11, 10 to 11a.m.

Using Medicare Planfinder - This is the class that comes right before the Annual Election Period that runs Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 every year. Examples of the Annual Notice of Change that Insurance companies mail out prior to Sept. 30 annually will be shared. In addition, Skolos will provide live examples in the Medicare Planfinder showing how to determine if a plan will work for them and how to read the information that the website is providing.

For more information, visit www.mcintoshmemoriallibrary.org or call the library at 608-637-7151 extension 6.