County Office for the Aging launches ‘Medicare 101’ information classes

AMENIA — The Dutchess County Office for the Aging began hosting “Navigating Medicare” classes on Wednesday, Nov. 13, with opportunities located in Poughkeepsie and Rhinebeck.

These workshops offer information about Medicare enrollment, Medicare Advantage Plans, benefits, supplement choices, Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage, and other long term care payment options.

Dutchess County’s Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) can provide free and accurate information relating to health coverage plans. The Office for the Aging volunteers and staff have been trained to assist with benefit information and Medicare drug plans, supplemental insurance options, Medicare Advantage choices, claims and appeal rights and other benefits available to seniors.

The classes are designed for people who are newly eligible for Medicare beneficiaries and those who do not know much about the Medicare program and want to learn more.

Classes are held at the Poughkeepsie Galleria’s Community Room at 10 a.m. on the third Wednesday of every month. The Starr Library in Rhinebeck holds classes on the fourth Monday of every month at 4 p.m.

Reservations are required for classes, in Rhinebeck and at the Galleria, reservations can be made by calling the Office for the Aging during business hours at 845-486-2555.

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