Medicare program slated Sept. 22

A presentation on all aspects of Medicare will be presented in the annex of Whitman Hospital and Medical Center Sept. 22 beginning at noon. Kathy Dugan, a program specialist with the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) HelpLine will provide information regarding all aspects of Medicare with a focus on Medicare Part D and the low income subsidy.

The SHIBA Helpline in Whitman and Spokane Counties is sponsored by Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington.

Dugan said the presentation is designed to prepare participants for the Medicare Open Enrollment which begins Nov. 15. Time will be allowed for questions at the end of the presentation.

The HelpLine is a free counseling service of the Office of the Washington State Insurance Commissioner. The impartial counseling resource helps consumers understand their rights and options, learn about private insurance and government programs and many other health care topics.

Last year, SHIBA HelpLine volunteers provided information and counseling to over 40,000 people.