K-State Research and Extension is gearing up for the upcoming annual Medicare Open Enrollment period. Through the Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) Program, K-State Research and Extension educates, empowers, and assists Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers to make informed decisions about their care and benefits through objective counseling.
The SHICK Program offers free one-on-one, non-biased counseling and assistance to individuals and families either getting ready to sign up for Medicare, or those who already have Medicare. Volunteer counselors are trained on Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Long-Term Care Insurance, and other health insurance issues that concern Kansans. SHICK counselors are not affiliated with the insurance industry. There are seven dedicated KSRE SHICK volunteer counselors located throughout Harvey County. Last year they met with nearly 500 Harvey County residents and saved a total of $273,805.56 in prescription drug costs.
Medicare Open Enrollment is from October 15 – December 7. During this time period an individual can join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) or switch from one Medicare drug plan to another Medicare drug plan or drop the Medicare prescription drug coverage completely. One can also change from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage or visa versa.
Below are the following locations where SHICK volunteers will be taking Medicare appointments beginning October 15th. A new location in Whitewater was added this year to serve those living in eastern Harvey County or western Butler County. Please call the phone number listed under the chosen location to schedule an appointment today. The Department on Aging also has a dedicated SHICK counselor that takes appointments upon request.
