Geary County KSU Research and Extension will provide a free Medicare Basics educational program Monday, September 17th, from 2-4 p.m. at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library. Deb Andres, Geary County Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent, is a trained SHICK ( Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas ) counselor who will be presenting this program. It is designed to help participants have a better understanding of the Medicare system and how to use the resources available to them.

This free educational program is designed for anyone interested in learning more about the Medicare maze, particularly those who are nearing age 65, who are soon to qualify because of a disability or who are helping family members with insurance and financial matters.

Medicare eligibility, how and when to apply, what is covered by the various parts and how to fill the gaps. There will also be an explanation about programs available to assist low income individuals and how to watch out for Medicare fraud.

Andres stated, “There are several parts to your Medicare benefits which often makes it a confusing system to understand without some extra help. We’re not too far off from the Open Enrollment Period for Medicare Part D Prescription plans. This program will also explain how this part of Medicare coverage fits in with the other parts of Medicare — Parts A and B, specifically.”

You can register for this free program by calling the Geary County Extension Office at 785-238-4161. Register by the end of the business day on Wednesday, September 12th. Questions may be directed to Deb Andres at 785-238-4161 or at dandres1@ksu.edu