BROOKINGS —  What is Medicare?

At Brookings Health System, the go-to staffer for answers to that question is Arlys Fischer. Her answer in the simplest of terms is: “It’s an insurance health plan offered (by the federal government) to those that are 65 or disabled. It helps pay for your medical costs. You can have Medicare A, B, C or D. Each one of those pays for a different portion of your medical expenses.”

Key to that definition is “helps pay.” Because you have a co-pay every time you use your Medicare insurance. It’s up to the patient to pay or the supplemental insurance the patient carries will help pick up the tab.

To help Brookings-area residents — both those already enrolled in Medicare and those 65 and older and now eligible for Medicare  — navigate the system during  the 2025 Medicare open enrollment period, from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, the Brookings Health System is hosting several free “Understanding Medicare” sessions: two were offered Thursday at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.; two more sessions will be Sept. 26 at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.  All sessions will be at the Brookings Hospital in Conference Room A.

Presenters at all sessions will be from the Senior Health Information and Insurance Education program, which is federally funded through the Administration of Community Living and administered by the South Dakota Department of Human Services Division of Long Term Services and Support. Also on hand will be BHS reps, who will field questions about plans in which BHS participates.

The seminars will take an in-depth look at the complexities, benefits and options of the Medicare basics cited by Fischer; additionally, how to enroll in Medicare will be addressed.

Add to those basics a look at Medicare Advantage plans, which at this time of  year hit America’s elderly population with a blitzkrieg of how-sweet-it-is television ads. A Medicare Advantage plan pays for some things that Medicare does not. For example, vision and dental. Some will also cover prescription drug coverage. Unless you have Medicare D, your prescriptions will not be covered by basic Medicare.

A BHS spokseperson’s  advice on Medicare Advantage plans comes down to: Caveat emptor (let the buyer beware). “Know what you’re getting into, in all scenarios. It’s your decision. We understand that it’s complicated. So we’re looking to questions and hoping to get some answers.

“The public has more questions now because of the availability of the Advantage plans. Some don’t understand it; some still think you have to be on Medicare if you’re on an Advantage plan, which you do not. Some are very confused about what they are buying.”

Bottom line: Recognize that Medicare Advantage plans are set up by private insurance companies. Whichever route is taken to cost-covering, it comes down to a “personal choice.”

For more information about the seminars, visit www.brookingshealth.org/Medicare or call 605-696-8030.