PORT ANGELES — Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors are hosting free Medicare Part D clinics in Clallam and Jefferson counties.
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for those 65 or older and some younger individuals with disabilities.
Part D is a prescription drug benefit that subsidizes the costs of prescription drugs and prescription drug insurance premiums for Medicare beneficiaries.
At the first-come, first-served clinics, North Olympic Peninsula residents can meet with advisors trained by the state insurance commissioner who will explain options available through Medicare.
“We have volunteers here that come in to help in Port Angeles, Sequim, Port Townsend, Chimacum and Quilcene,” said Sequim resident Marjorie Stewart, 80, Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors coordinator.
“We are updated monthly after basic training, and we advise people about what insurance is out there, what their options are, and we educate them about the plans under Medicare so they can make good choices for themselves.”
Clinics will be presented through Dec. 7. Here is the schedule:
Clallam County
■ Sequim — 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Shipley Center, 921 E. Hammond St.
■ Port Angeles — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays at Port Angeles Senior Center, 728 E. Seventh St.
■ Forks — By appointment at the Information and Assistance Office, 481 Fifth Ave. Call 360-374-9496.
Jefferson County
■ Port Townsend — Noon to 3 p.m. this Tuesday as well as Nov. 3, Nov. 17 and Dec. 1 at the Port Townsend Community Center, 620 Tyler St.
■ Chimacum — 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 27, Nov. 10 and Nov. 24 at Tri-Area Community Center, 10 West Valley Road.
■ Quilcene — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 28 and Nov. 25 at Quilcene Community Center, 294952 U.S. Highway 101.
The clinics coincide with the annual Medicare election period, which began Thursday and runs through Dec. 7.
During that period, beneficiaries can change their Medicare or prescription drug coverage, with the changes taking effect Jan. 1.
Navigating through Medicare is “very complex, and you have to check your drug plans every year because the plans change,” Stewart said.
“They drop major drugs off the formulary, so if you don’t change your plan you are paying 100 percent of cost.”
About 43 beneficiaries participated in such a clinic held Friday at the Port Angeles Senior Center, Stewart said.
Port Angeles resident Virginia Turner, 63, waited patiently for her turn, and said it was well worth it.
“I have been at this clinic for the last two years since I have been on Medicare,” she said.
“I wouldn’t be able to do anything without [Stewart’s] help. I am totally lost without her.”
Medicare “is truly complicated,” she continued.
“It really is. You need help, especially if you are on disability and not 65 because there isn’t any choice in the matter.”
For more information about the clinics, call 360-452-3221 or email stewame@dshs.wa.gov.
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Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Chris McDaniel can be reached at 360-681-2390, ext. 5052, or cmcdaniel@peninsuladailynews.com.
