Fall 2019 "Demystifying Medicare" series begins Sept. 14th

Understanding the way Medicare works is key to making the right healthcare choices, and a volunteer group within the Westchester Library System, WSOS (Westchester Seniors Out Speaking), works year-round to do just that.

This fall, coinciding with Medicare’s Open Enrollment period (Oct. 15 – Dec. 7), WSOS has scheduled 15 upbeat, comprehensive, free “Demystifying Medicare” presentations across the county to help people understand the coverage they have and how they can make it work better for their own personal situation.

“Demystifying Medicare” is designed not only for people currently enrolled in Medicare, but for those soon to be 65 or helping relatives and friends with their medical decisions and paperwork. Topics include Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, prescription drug plans, Medigaps (supplemental plans), EPIC, and cost-saving programs for people with limited resources. Anyone who wants to get a handle on this thorny subject in a light-hearted, user-friendly atmosphere is invited to attend.

WSOS fills in where the government hasn’t allocated enough resources to help people navigate the health insurance system. Walk-ins always welcome, but pre-registration is requested at (914) 231-3236.

• IRVINGTON Sat., 9/14, 2 – 5pm, Irvington Public Library, 12 South Astor St.
• PLEASANTVILLE Sun., 9/15, 1:30 – 4:30pm, Mount Pleasant Public Library, 350 Bedford Rd
• KATONAH Sat., 9/21, 10am – 1pm, Katonah Village Library, 26 Bedford Rd
• MONTROSE Sun., 9/22, 1:15 – 4:15pm, Hendrick Hudson Free Library, 185 Kings Ferry R
• WHITE PLAINS Thurs., 9/26, 6 – 9pm, White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Ave.
• EASTCHESTER Wed., 10/2, 5:45 – 8:45pm, Eastchester Public Library, 11 Oakridge Place
• SOUTH SALEM Sat., 10/5, 10am – 1pm, Lewisboro Library, 15 Main St.
• YONKERS Sun., 10/6, 1 – 4pm, Will Library, Flynn Room, 1500 Central Park Ave.
• SLEEPY HOLLOW Tues., 10/8, 6 – 9pm, Phelps Memorial Hosp. Auditorium, 701 N. B’way
• ARDSLEY Thurs., 10/10, 6:30 – 9:30pm, Greenburgh Multipurpose Center, 11 Olympic Lane
• CROTON-ON-HUDSON Sat., 10/19, 10am – 1pm, Municipal Bldg Community Room, 1 Van Wyck St.
• HARRISON Sun., 10/20, 1:30 – 4:30pm, Harrison Public Library, Halperin Blg, 2 Bruce Ave.
• PELHAM Mon., 10/21, 6 – 9pm, Town of Pelham Public Library, 530 Colonial Ave.
• NORTH SALEM Sat., 10/26, 10 am – 1pm, Ruth Keeler Memorial Library, 276 Titicus Rd
• ARMONK Sun., 10/27, 1:30 – 4:30pm, North Castle Public Library, 19 Whippoorwill Rd East

Seniors can get individual help with billing questions, choosing plans, and other tricky topics through WSOS’s weekly Senior Benefits Individual Counseling Services (SBICS) in ten libraries across the county throughout the year. They can also speak with one of the volunteers on their Helpline (914) 231-3260 or email them at sbic@wlsmail.org. Like the Demystifying workshop, all these counseling activities are free.

A full schedule of WSOS programs at http://www.westchesterlibraries.org/westchester-seniors-out-speaking/.