Health Services

Enrolling for Medicare

Medicare is our country’s federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older. People younger than age 65 with certain disabilities, permanent kidney failure, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), can also qualify for Medicare. The program helps with the cost of health care, but it doesn’t cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care. You have choices for how you get Medicare coverage. If you choose to have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) coverage, you can buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy from a private insurance company. Medigap covers some of the costs that Medicare does not, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. If you choose Medicare Advantage, you can buy a Medicare-approved plan from a private company that bundles your Part A, Part B, and usually drug coverage (Part D) into one plan. Although the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the agency in charge of the Medicare program, Social Security processes your application for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), and CMS can give you general information about the Medicare program. For more information about Medicare, visit the official US Government site for people with Medicare
www.medicare.gov

For basic information about Medicare for anyone who is covered and some of the options available when choosing Medicare coverage, please visit: www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10043.pdf

Prescription Advantage

Do you need help with prescription drug costs? Prescription Advantage is a state-run program which helps many seniors pay for their prescription drugs. Eligibility is based on income only and there is no asset limit.

If you are a Massachusetts resident, eligible for Medicare and are

• 65 years of age or older, eligible for Medicare, and have a gross annual household income less than 500% of the Federal Poverty Level, or
• 65 years if age or older and not eligible for Medicare, or
• Under age 65, work no more than 40 hours per month, meets MassHealth's CommonHealth disability guidelines, and have a gross annual income at or below 188% of the Federal Poverty Level,
• Not MassHealth or Commonhealth members.

Health Insurance

• Seniors looking for information about health insurance options can meet with health insurance representatives at the Gardner Senior Center.
• Open enrollment sessions are held at the center each year.