BROOKINGS – Brookings Health System will host two sessions of the free Understanding Medicare seminar at 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24. Both sessions will be held at Brookings Hospital, Conference Room A. 

“Medicare is vastly different from the commercial insurance plans most individuals are enrolled in before they reach retirement,” CEO Jason Merkley said. “Brookings Health is hosting this seminar to help those who are enrolled in, or soon will be enrolled in, Medicare to learn about the differences and the coverage that best meets their needs.”

The program is recommended for individuals nearing age 65 of their initial enrollment period or those who plan to re-enroll in 2019. The 2019 Medicare Open Enrollment Period starts Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7. 

Information offered at the seminar includes:

• Medicare basics, including what individuals need to know about benefits and options

• How to enroll in Medicare during an individual’s seven-month enrollment window

• Explanations of Medicare Parts A, B, C and D

• What to know before joining a Medicare Advantage plan

The seminar will be conducted by Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE), a federally funded program through the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and administered by the South Dakota Department of Human Services Division of Long Term Services and Support (LTSS).

Seating is limited. To register, visit www.brookingshealth.org/Medicare or call 696-8028.