4 Part Medicare Series

The PPLD and the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging (PPAAA) Four-Part Medicare Series dives beyond the basics into Medicare and retirement. This series is designed to provide information to guide and support you as you make important health care decisions that affect the rest of your life. Presented by the PPAAA Senior Insurance Assistance department, the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP). The SHIP has been at the forefront of this emerging boom to provide up to date, current insurance information.  These SHIP counselors are trained experts who do not sell or endorse any insurance products.  The Medicare series is designed to answer questions and provide information to help older adults make the most informed choices.

Session 1:  Medicare Eligibility and Coverage (Part A/B)

Explains eligibility for enrolling in Medicare Parts A and B, how to enroll and when to enroll (enrollment periods).

Explains Medicare Parts A and B costs, what A and B cover (benefits) and options available when something is not covered by Medicare.

Session 2:  Medicare Options: Medigap and Medicare Advantage Plans

This course assumes that the attendee’s already have a basic knowledge of Medicare A and B eligibility, enrollment and of benefits and coverage or that they have already attended Session 1:  Medicare Eligibility and Coverage.

Explains the 2 types of coverage consumers can choose from for additional insurance to go with their Medicare A and B: Medigaps and Medicare Advantage Plans, what they are, how they coordinate with Medicare and what coverage they provide for those enrolled in Medicare A and B.

Session 3:  Medicare Part D

This course explains the newest benefit of Medicare, Part D, for prescription drug coverage.  Details how Part D works, how to get it, what the costs are for Part D, eligibility and how to apply for financial assistance with Part D costs for those with low incomes.  Will also discuss other cost saving options available to consumers enrolled in Part D.

Session 4:  Medicare, Medicaid, and Other Health Insurance Options – What you need to know

Explains the CO Medicaid programs people with Medicare may be eligible for and how those Medicaid programs coordinate with Medicare.

Also discusses how other health insurance options work with Medicare such as Employer Group Health Plans  (EGHP) for active and retired employee’s, COBRA, TriCare For Life, PERA, FEHB, etc.

 

The speaker comes from the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging Senior Insurance Assistance department, the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP). The SHIP has been at the forefront of this emerging boom to provide up to date, current insurance information.  These SHIP counselors are trained experts who do not sell or endorse any insurance products.  The Medicare series is designed to answer questions and provide information to help older adults make the most informed choices.

 

For information on Medicare Senior Insurance reach out at seniorinsur@ppacg.org or call (719) 635-4891 for more information or questions

Area Agency on Aging and Ent Partnership

Retirement Series

Every year Ent partners with the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments (PPACG) Agency on Aging to present FREE retirement prep classes. Find out the latest information on Social Security and Medicare plus how to plan for the financial, medical, legal and even social impacts of retirement. Attend one class or the entire series for great information and tools to jump-start your retirement planning

2021 Classes

Medicare 101 – This presentation will provide an overview of all things ‘Medicare’, covering the basics of eligibility and enrolling in Medicare A, B and D, as well as the costs, benefits, and explanation of the differences between Medigap and Medicare Advantage Plans.

Presenter: Roma Costanza, Medicare Specialist/SHIP Coordinator, PPACG Area Agency on Aging

Retire By Design – How do you choose to age and ultimately retire? By default or by design? Because we live in an age-denying society, most of us are not inclined to anticipate the future challenges and opportunities encountered as we age and contemplate retirement. So, how can you increase the odds that you will experience a retirement that you love? First, understand the aging process (all facets). Second, identify traveling companions. Third, evaluate the environment. Age and Retire By Design—YOUR Design!

Jane W. Barton, MTS, MASM, CSA, Author of Caregiving for the GENIUS, Cardinal, LLC

Estate Planning-getting Your Affairs In Order – Hear from noted estate planning attorney and probate expert Skip Morgan, former President of the El Paso County Probate Bar and retired JAG colonel, on estate planning tips that are simple and inexpensive.   Following a few easy steps can save your family from formal probate, thousands of dollars in unnecessary costs, and most important, contribute to family peace.

Presenter:  Chester (Skip) H. Morgan, II, Morgan Legal Offices, P.C.

Social Security 101 – As you begin to approach retirement, you may see a flood of information that may or may not be fully accurate.  Josh Weller, a Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration, will provide an educational webinar about benefit options.  The session will address Social Security questions including benefits calculations, benefit eligibility factors, application process, an overview of all the different benefits Social Security administers and more.

Presenter: Josh Weller, Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration

Meaning and Purpose In Retirement – Hooray!  You don’t have to go to work!  So now what?  Just as you can benefit from financial planning for retirement, so you can benefit from planning for a sense of meaning and purpose.  This session invites you to think about how you can create the life you want in your retirement phase of life.

Presenter:  Sara Honn Qualls, Ph.D., ABPP, Kraemer Family Professor of Aging Studies and Professor of Psychology, Director, Gerontology Center

Medicare Lunch and Learns

Through partnerships with the Security Public Library and the Pikes Peak Library District we are able to bring these special classes going into detail on aspects of Medicare.

2021 Class Topics included:

Medicare and Tricare – An Intro to What You Need to Know

Medicare and COBRA-Don’t Get Bit!

Active Employment and Medicare

Medicare and Fraud: Don’t Get Scammed!

Medicare Open Enrollment Fast Approaching

 

Social Security Administration Partnership

 

People approaching retirement age, adult children and others have many questions regarding social security. This class covers many of the common retirement topics including:

* Eligibility for retirement

* How age affects retirement benefit

* How work affects retirement benefit

* How non-covered pensions (PERA) can potentially affect your Retirement and Survivor benefits.

Handouts

Disability Benefits 2021

Medicare Benefits 2021

Retirement Benefits 2021

Survivors Benefits 2021

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an educational program designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend.  You will benefit from this class whether you are helping a parent, spouse, friend, someone who lives at home, in a nursing home, assisted living residence or across the country.

2022 Dates and Times: TBD

This class series meets once a week for six weeks.  Class size is limited to 12 caregivers and registration is required.

For Information: Contact Kent Mathews MSW, Family Caregiver Support Center Lead at kmathews@ppacg.org or (719) 471-2096 ext. 115

Caring Conversations Support Group

Caring Conversations is a support group for caregivers to assist in coping with the challenges of family caregiving

For information on session dates or to register: Contact Kent Mathews MSW at kmathews@ppacg.org or (719) 886-7526 or Jennifer Horn MSW at jhorn@ppacg.org or (719) 471-2096 ext. 108