Join us for this comprehensive Understanding Medicare session specifically designed for residents of The Villages and surrounding Sumter County communities. This in-person educational workshop provides thorough coverage of Medicare fundamentals with a focus on healthcare options and resources available to Central Florida seniors.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that serves millions of Americans, but understanding how it works and making the right choices for your individual situation can be challenging. This two-hour session is led by certified SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) counselors who provide unbiased, objective information to help you make informed Medicare decisions.

The workshop begins with Medicare eligibility basics, including automatic enrollment at age 65 and special enrollment situations for those under 65 with qualifying disabilities or conditions. We'll discuss the importance of understanding your Initial Enrollment Period and the potential consequences of delayed enrollment, including lifetime penalties that can affect your Medicare premiums.

You'll gain a thorough understanding of Original Medicare, which includes Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). Part A typically comes at no monthly premium for most beneficiaries and covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care following a qualifying hospital stay, hospice care, and certain home health services. Part B requires a monthly premium and covers physician services, outpatient care, preventive screenings, durable medical equipment, and mental health services.

The session extensively covers Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, which are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans must provide all the benefits of Original Medicare but often include additional services like prescription drug coverage, vision, dental, hearing aids, and wellness programs. We'll explain how Medicare Advantage plans work differently from Original Medicare, including network restrictions, prior authorizations, and referral requirements.

Prescription drug coverage through Medicare Part D is explained in detail, including how to evaluate plans based on your current medications, coverage gaps (the "donut hole"), and strategies for managing prescription costs. We'll discuss the importance of reviewing your Part D coverage annually during Open Enrollment.

The workshop addresses Medigap (Medicare Supplement) insurance policies, which can help pay for costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover. We'll explain the different Medigap plan types, when you can purchase these policies, and how they work with Original Medicare.

Participants will learn about Medicare's various enrollment periods throughout the year, including Open Enrollment (October 15 - December 7) when you can make changes to your coverage. We'll provide practical tips for comparing plans, evaluating your healthcare needs, and accessing resources for ongoing support.

The session concludes with a question-and-answer period where you can ask specific questions about your Medicare situation. All attendees receive comprehensive resource materials, local contact information, and guidance on accessing continued support from SHINE counselors. Light refreshments are provided, and the facility offers convenient parking and wheelchair accessibility.