Free, Local Assitance for Medicare Plan Shoppers at Largo Public Library

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program is available to provide free,unbiased help for Florida Medicare beneficiaries as they carefully evaluate their health care options during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period.

During the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs October 15 through December 7, Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to make changes to their Medicare Prescription Drug or Medicare Advantage plans. SHINE encourages beneficiaries to review their benefits each year for a variety of reasons. Individuals often experience subtle changes in their health over the course of the year, and these changes may alter the kind of care they need. This could directly affect their need for more or less health insurance, the types of prescription drugs they require or their access to particular doctors or pharmacies. Health changes can also increase costs, which can be particularly critical for Medicare beneficiaries on fixed incomes.

SHINE volunteer counselors at Largo Public Library will provide free, unbiased one-on-one insurance counseling and information on Medicare options and prescription drug assistance for elders, their families,
and caregivers. Beneficiaries are encouraged to act quickly to assure a smooth transition into the 2017 benefit year. To schedule your free, unbiased, and confidential counseling session with a trained SHINE volunteer, please call the library at 727-587-6715. Appointments are scheduled on the first Wednesday of each month
between 10:00am and 2:00pm. For a listing of SHINE counseling sites and enrollment events, visit www.floridashine.org.

Largo Public Library is located at 120 Central Park Drive in Largo. For more information, call 727-587-6715 or email libraryinfo@largo.com.