Health insurance options offered to former Whirlpool employees

After Whirlpool went through several rounds of layoffs and early retirement packages a few years ago, the Continuation of Health Coverage (COBRA) plans purchased for those affected will expire on Dec. 31, 2023, and March 31, 2024.

The Michigan Medicare Assistance Program (MMAP) through Area Agency on Aging will assist those over the age of 65 find new health insurance through Medicare.

A New to Medicare class will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 8, at the Campus for Creative Aging, 2920 Lakeview Ave., St. Joseph.

"We expect an influx of these Whirlpool retirees to have questions about finding the right health plan. By offering this class, we wanted to make sure no one falls through the cracks," Regional MMAP Coordinator Kara Gargano said.

Before the class, attendees are asked to address the first step of contacting the Social Security Administration to begin Medicare Part A and B if you have not done so.

MMAP is a free, unbiased resource available all year long to answer your Medicare questions. It is made up of a team of highly trained volunteers stationed at senior centers and other locations in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties.

For those unable to attend the in-person presentation, Area Agency on Aging does have a New to Medicare video available on its website, www.AreaAgencyonAging.org/medicare-medicaid.

"You don't have to go through this alone. We're here to help," Gargano said.

To register for the New to Medicare class, call the MMAP hotline at 800-803-7174 or email Kara at [email protected].

For general Medicare information, or to find your closest MMAP counseling site, visit www.AreaAgencyonAging.org/medicare-medicaid.