Make informed Medicare decisions with enrollment event

Banner Olive Branch Senior Center, along with the Area Agency on Aging, Region One, will offer information and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries in making their health insurance decisions for 2010.

The free event will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 2 in the Beehive at the United Church in Sun City, 11250 N. 107^th Ave., on the corner of 107^th Avenue and Sun City Boulevard.

Annual enrollment for individuals with Medicare runs from Nov. 15 through Dec. 31. This is the time for beneficiaries to take note of any changes to their current plan or decide to look for other Medicare options that will take effect Jan. 1. Counselors from Area Agency on Aging and specially trained volunteers from Banner Olive Branch will be available to answer questions about Medicare health plan options, including Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement plans and Part D Prescription Drug coverage. Personalized screenings will be offered that can narrow down Medicare plan options and facilitate enrollment in the appropriate plan for 2010. 

This event is open to the public, and residents are encouraged to bring any letters, correspondence or current Medicare plan materials they would like to discuss with a counselor. A list of current prescription medications for each Medicare beneficiary is required for personalized screenings.

For information, contact the Banner Olive Branch Senior Center at 623-974-6797, the Benefits Assistance Program at the Area Agency on Aging at 602-264-2255 or the Senior Help Line at 602-264-4357.