Medicare Consults / SHINE
Medicare Consults
Joyce Janczak, SHINE representative, meets with seniors to assist them in better understanding Medicare. Registration is necessary.
Please check our events calendar for specific dates and times. Sign up at the Information Desk to meet with a SHINE representative for a Medicare consultation.
SHINE Out Reach Programs
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a Free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas. Specially trained volunteers can assist you with your Medicare, Medicaid, and Health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.
Specially trained volunteers can assist you with your Medicare, Medicaid, and Health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.
SHINE services are free, unbiased, and confidential.
SHINE Counselors can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.
SHINE does not sell anything is a Free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas as an educational opportunity for you to learn more about Medicare and how to go about changing you plan.
Join us on one of our events listed below. If you would like to meet with someone in person, please go to this link to find a counseling site. https://www.agingcarefl.org/medicare-and-health-insurance.html
Did you know that there is a Special Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage Plans?
The annual Medicare Advantage OEP runs from January 1 – March 31 each year. This allows individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan as of January 1 to make a one-time election to another MA plan or return to Original Medicare and a standalone Medicare Part D plan (PDP). This enrollment period does not allow for Part D changes for individuals enrolled in Original Medicare.
May Webinars
- Medicare Basics with SHINE Zoom meeting Wednesday, May 24th 2023 at 10:00 am
(Provides an overview of the different parts of Medicare including Parts A, B, C, D, Medigap, and available financial assistance)
When: May 24, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsd-6hrz4pHtA5UjygZ1ZcHAZ6SDYAs5Nw
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
- Medicare Part C Advantage Plans Zoom meeting with SHINE Wednesday, May 24th 2023 at 12:00 pm
(Provides an overview of Medicare Advantage Plan options available in Florida)
When: May 24, 2023 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpd-2vqDkpE9aiVBWbhIf_s4ykiBr_wfP5
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
- Medicare Basics with SHINE Zoom meeting Wednesday, May 31st 2023 at 10:00 am
(Provides an overview of the different parts of Medicare including Parts A, B, C, D, Medigap, and available financial assistance)
When: May 31, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrc-yqqzMiH9OzXpdRRkHdbuwDL0kYeLKV
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
- Medicare Part C Advantage Plans with SHINE Zoom meeting Wednesday, May 31st 2023 at 12:00 pm
(Provides an overview of Medicare Advantage Plan options available in Florida)
When: May 31, 2023 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsf-mgqTgsGtbN_Pl5H0MNzr0EeWrT0p5o
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Did you know you can apply for Medicare online even if you are not ready to start your retirement benefits?
Knowing when to apply for Medicare is very important. You have a limited initial enrollment period to apply. If you miss the initial enrollment period, you may have to pay a higher monthly premium. If you’re eligible for Medicare at age 65, your initial enrollment period begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after that birthday.
Many people find themselves uncertain about their Medicare options and the process for enrolling. The Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) Program is a program of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and is operated locally through the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas. Specially trained volunteers can assist you with your Medicare, Medicaid, and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information. Senior Medicare Patrols (SMPs) empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report heath care fraud, errors, and abuse through outreach, counseling, and education. To receive help from SHINE, individuals may schedule appointments at designated SHINE counseling sites, attend enrollment events in their local communities, or arrange to speak with a trained SHINE counselor at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337). For a listing of SHINE counseling sites and enrollment events, please visit www.floridashine.org.
Here in Pinellas County, where many residents are age 60 or older, SHINE is a vital resource. Each year SHINE serves seniors, retirees, the disabled, and other Medicare beneficiaries by providing free, unbiased information and an opportunity to speak one-on-one with a trained Medicare counselor.
To find out more about Medicare Special Enrollment periods and how to change your plan call SHINE at 727-217-8111.
Geralyn Fortney
SHINE Program Manager
Geralyn.Fortney@aaapp.org
Area Agency on Aging Pasco-Pinellas
Phone 727-570-9696 ext. 234
Web www.agingcarefl.org
Web www.FloridaShine.org