By Sharon Oliver
Contributing Writer
REGION – Fifty Plus Advocate recently spoke to Elaine Miller, Regional SHINE Program Director, about Minuteman Senior Services to discuss what they have to offer for those who have questions or need clarity regarding Medicare benefits. Furthermore, the organization also addresses concerns outside the realm of health insurance.
What differentiates your organization from others?
The Minuteman Senior Services SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) program is unique from other Medicare information services because our services are free and impartial. We do not work for insurance companies, we do not recommend one plan over another, and we’re volunteer driven with a team of 38 state certified SHINE counselors who love helping people understand Medicare in easy terms.
Additionally, by engaging with the SHINE program, counselors can connect participants with the 20+ other programs and services that Minuteman offers. Minuteman is able to provide wrap- around services to address concerns like food insecurity, falls prevention, physical wellness, money management, and more.
What do potential clients or customers need to bring or have?
Participants should schedule an appointment with their local Council on Aging to meet with a Medicare benefits counselor (SHINE). To prepare for your appointment plan to bring your annual notice of Medicare coverage, medication list with dosage, Medicare A/B card, current Medigap or Medicare Advantage card and Part D card. If you have created a Medicare.gov account, please log in to this account before your SHINE meeting.
Medicare annual open enrollment happens each year between October 15 and December 7. This is time for Medicare beneficiaries to compare insurance costs and coverage, ensure their medications are covered by existing plans, and review any network or provider changes. It is also an opportunity for low to moderate income individuals to be screened and apply for the Medicare Savings Program – an income-based program that covers Part B premiums, annual deductibles, and copayments.
What are some of the misconceptions some people have about Medicare?
Medicare is a complex system, and there are plenty of misconceptions and points of confusion for the general public.
Most importantly is that people are able to make decisions and impact their coverage and out-of-pocket expenses. That’s why it is so important to meet with a SHINE Counselor, to discuss your options and ensure that your unique needs of doctors, medication, and procedures are covered.
People turning 65 tend to believe Medicare will cover all healthcare costs; however, to be fully covered, you may require Medigap supplements or Medicare Advantage plans cover the remaining. Additionally, individuals also believe Medicare covers vision and dental and it doesn’t – Medicare Advantage plans offer some degree of dental and vision reimbursement, but Medicare and traditional Medicare supplements do not.
People think that they need to enroll in Medicare if they are working beyond age 65. But if you’re covered by an employer group plan you can defer Medicare enrollment until retirement. SHINE Counselors can help compare costs between employer group coverage and Medicare to see which works best for them. Individuals enrolled in the Massachusetts Health Connector or using COBRA will need to enroll in Medicare and possibly a supplemental plan.
Another misconception is that, especially if you are in excellent health or are choosing to self-pay, by not enrolling (or officially deferring) in Medicare Part B you will save money. The truth is that there may be some short-term savings, Medicare will apply a 10% Part B penalty for each year you are not enrolled in Part B which is a lifetime penalty. Ultimately, this is a far greater financial cost to the consumer.
One truth that isn’t widely known is that Medicare does not provide health coverage outside of the United States. Frequent travelers should enroll in a travel health insurance product to ensure coverage while out of the country.
Where are you located? Contact info, and what is your website?
We work with local Senior Centers, Community Centers, and Council on Aging locations to provide sessions and workshops. Minuteman’s services are almost all community and home-based, including the SHINE program. Minuteman Senior Services is located at 1 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 101, Burlington, MA 01803.
888.222.6171
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The Minuteman Senior Services SHINE program serves 18 communities north and west of Boston. Our services are tailored to the distinct personal, cultural, and linguistic needs of people in each community we serve. To schedule a SHINE appointment, contact your local Council on Aging.
- Acton
- Arlington
- Bedford
- Boxborough
- Burlington
- Cambridge
- Carlisle
- Concord
- Harvard
- Lexington
- Lincoln
- Littleton
- Maynard
- Somerville
- Stow
- Wilmington
- Winchester
- Woburn
For more information regarding Medicare please visit www.medicare.gov.
