SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — United Way Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike hosted a free Medicare 101 presentation Wednesday evening in Scranton to help people nearing retirement or new to Medicare understand their coverage options.
The session was presented through PA MEDI, a program that offers free Medicare counseling for people who are on Medicare or will be enrolling soon. Organizers said the counseling is confidential and unbiased, and PA MEDI counselors do not sell Medicare products.
Terri Flowers, senior program manager at United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike, said the goal is to give people clear, objective information so they can make their own decisions about coverage.
“We can make it easier. We can sit down with someone and help them understand their coverage. I think people are pleased to have a place they can come, knowing they will not be coerced into buying certain plans and that we are completely unbiased. It is a great opportunity to come here, let us educate you, and then you can make a well-informed decision,” said Flowers.
Flowers said the program has offered these Medicare classes for about 14 years, typically holding sessions every other month depending on demand. She said the program also has certified volunteer counselors who can meet one-on-one with beneficiaries to compare options.
The presentation covered the parts of Medicare, including hospital and medical coverage, prescription drug coverage, Medicare Advantage plans and Medigap supplemental policies, along with subsidy programs that may help pay costs for those who qualify. Flowers said a common misconception is that Medicare is fully free, noting many beneficiaries still pay monthly premiums for coverage.
For more information on Medicare counseling and PA MEDI programs, visit the United Way website.