By Marcia Parnell
Known as the SHINE program (Serving the Health Information Needs of Everyone) and administered by local elder services organizations throughout the state, the SHINE program provides free health insurance information, counseling, and assistance to people who are Medicare-eligible. Becket resident and local SHINE representative Steve Rosenthal will be conducting an information session at the Becket Athenaeum on Wednesday, November 5, at 3pm for Becket seniors and their caregivers who are interested in learning more about the enrollment process and often confusing array of coverage and prescription drug options. Following his presentation Steve will address individual questions and also schedule phone calls to help guide individuals through the actual enrollment. Refreshments will be served.
All SHINE representatives receive 55 hours of training to become certified and must take an annual re-certification exam. According to Steve, SHINE’s aim is to help more than just seniors new to Medicare. “Many existing enrollees don’t realize that it’s important to review their Medicare health insurance and prescription drug needs annually because plans and costs change from year to year and what makes sense one year may not the next. The goal is to find the right coverage at the lowest possible cost.” Steve will also explain some of the major changes that will take place in 2026.
The annual Medicare enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7.
