Counseling Available on Medicare Plans; Volunteers Sought

pcacsSHIP volunteers are available to guide seniors during the Medicare Open Enrollment period, which runs through Dec. 7.

“It’s that time of year again to review your current health and drug plans and make changes for 2018, if you want,” said State Health Insurance Assistance Program coordinator and volunteer Ginger Brockwehl.

The SHIP program offers help through free and impartial counseling on Medicare choices and issues as well as guidance on money savings programs that help pay for some or all Medicare costs.

The trained volunteers are available to meet at the SHIP offices, which are housed at Porter County Aging and Community Services, 1005 Campbell St., several days of the week.

To make an appointment or for more information, call (219) 464-1028 or e-mail SHIP@portercountyacs.org.

SHIP counselors will also be available on Thursday, Nov. 30, at the Banta Senior Center, 605 Beech St. in Valparaiso. To make an appointment on this day, call (219) 462-1301.

Also, they will be at the Bonner Senior Center, 5800 Lexington Ave. in Portage, on Monday, Dec. 4. To make an appointment on this day, call (219) 762-3591.

The program is looking for volunteers to assist with scheduling appointments. Community members who have basic computer skills are needed a couple of hours a week to answer the phone and schedule appointments. Training will be provided. Those interested should call (219) 464-1028.

PCACS’ mission is to extend a helping hand to seniors, those with disabilities and low-income residents by providing services to improve their quality of life, including transportation, nutrition programs, energy assistance and activity centers.

For more information, visit www.portercountyacs.org.