Need help picking a Medicare plan? Here’s where to turn

Oct. 15--Need some help choosing a Medicare managed-care or drug plan?

Experts say anyone who isn't computer savvy -- and even some who are -- should seek help navigating all the choices with Medicare, its managed care options and drug plans in coming weeks during open enrollment.

A plan that saves one consumer money may cost another consumer more depending on the prescription medications they take, their health and what hospital systems their doctors practice in.

Filling out an online form at Medicare.gov can guide consumers to the right plan to fit their needs.

But if you don't feel comfortable using Medicare.gov, other help is available.

Direction Home events

Direction Home -- through the Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities -- is offering a series of free local seminars that include a meal.

The sessions cover the enrollment process, coverage options, how to select coverage, Medicare protections and how to use Medicare's website.

If you attend, be sure to bring your Medicare number, a list of prescription medications you take and the names of your physicians.

To register, call 330-776-4620 or email [email protected].

Here is a list of upcoming events in the Akron area. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.; lunch is served at noon, unless otherwise noted:

--Oct 24: Hartville Kitchen, 1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, 10 a.m.-noon

--Oct. 30: Guy's Party Center, 500 E. Waterloo Road, Akron, 10 a.m. to noon

--Nov. 7: Hartville Kitchen, 1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, 10 a.m.-noon

--Nov. 13: Hartville Kitchen, 1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, 10 a.m.-noon

--Nov. 17: Hilton Garden Inn, 8971 Wilcox Drive, Twinsburg, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (registration at 8:30 a.m., breakfast at 9 a.m.)

--Nov. 21: Northeast Ohio Medical University, 4209 state Route 44, Rootstown, 10 a.m. to noon.

--Nov. 28: Occasions Party Center, 6800 Manchester Road, Clinton, 10 a.m. to noon.

Nov. 30: Hilton Fairlawn, 3180 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (registration at 8:30 a.m., breakfast at 9 a.m.)

Check-Up Days

The Ohio Department of Insurance's Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program is offering free help during Medicare Check-Up Days in every county.

The program also offers a hotline at 800-686-1578. In addition, there are two webcasts available for those who cannot make it to a meeting. The webcasts will be held Oct. 5 and Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Here are some upcoming events in the Akron area. For a full list in other parts of the state or to register for the webcast, go to: http://tinyurl.com/y7a3ohtl.

--Summit County: 9 a.m. Oct. 16. Counseling by appointment only. Twinsburg Senior Center, 10260 Ravenna Road, Twinsburg. RSVP to 330-963-8722.

--Medina County: 10 a.m. Oct. 27. Senior Expo in field house. Medicare counseling in media room. Soprema Senior Center, 617 School Drive, Wadsworth.

--Stark County: Two events. 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Oct. 4: presentations only. Mercy Medical Center, 1320 Mercy Drive NW, Canton. RSVP to 330-489-1215. 9 a.m. Oct. 24: counseling by appointment only, also at Mercy Medical Center. Call 330-489-1215.

--Wayne County: 9 a.m. Oct. 13. Counseling by appointment only. Brenn-Field Nursing Center, 1980 Lynn Drive.

--Orrville RSVP to 330-682-6992.

Other help

The Medicare program also provides free personalized help over the phone at 800-633-4227.

If you believe you cannot afford the plans, there may be help available for free drug coverage or reduced monthly premiums and lower out-of-pocket costs.

For information, contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 or socialsecurity.gov.

Betty Lin-Fisher can be reached at 330-996-3724 or [email protected]. Follow her @blinfisherABJ on Twitter or http://www.facebook.com/BettyLinFisherABJ and see all her stories at http://www.ohio.com/betty

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