Join Clackamas County Medicare expert volunteers (SHIBA) for a monthly, four-part series designed to empower you with clear, unbiased information. Break down the essentials, explore your coverage options, and learn to secure your benefits confidently.
Cost for each class: Resident & Non-Resident FREE

New Series for Navigating Medicare

Medicare 101: Navigating the Essentials

Get a comprehensive, easy-to-understand overview of the foundational pieces of Medicare. This introductory session breaks down the core components of the system, helping you understand what each part covers and how they fit together. We will demystify the enrollment timeline, clarify the crucial differences between initial and general enrollment periods, and provide clear guidance on how to avoid lifelong late-enrollment penalties. Perfect for those turning 65 or anyone wanting a clear refresher.

Topics Covered:

• Deconstructing Parts A, B, C, and D: Who qualifies, what is covered, and out-of-pocket expectations
• Understanding initial enrollment windows, special enrollment periods, and critical deadlines
• Navigating the choice between Original Medicare (with a Medigap policy) and Medicare Advantage

Date / Time: Wed 9/16 | 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Event Code: 34888
Learn More: Clackamas County SHIBA Services

Medicare Plan Finder Demonstration: Hands-On Tools for Smart Choices

Don't guess when it comes to your healthcare coverage. This practical session features a live, step-by-step demonstration of the official Medicare Plan Finder online tool. Learn how to securely build a profile, accurately input your current prescription drugs, and compare available medical and pharmacy plans in your zip code side-by-side. You will leave with the confidence to independently evaluate plans and find the specific coverage that best fits your medical needs and budget.

Topics Covered:

• Navigating the official Medicare.gov portal and setting up a personalized account safely
• How to input specific prescription drug names and dosages to get highly accurate annual cost estimates
• Comparing plan premiums, deductibles, and star quality ratings for local coverage choices

Date / Time: Wed 10/21 | 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Event Code: 34889

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage: Maximizing Value, Lowering Costs

Prescription medication can be one of the highest out-of-pocket expenses for seniors. This class dives deep into Medicare Part D and the prescription drug components of Medicare Advantage plans. Learn how insurance networks handle medication costs, discover how to navigate complex drug formularies and tier structures, and explore the lifecycle of coverage phases, including the coverage gap. Most importantly, SHIBA experts will share practical, legal strategies to reduce your monthly pharmacy out-of-pocket expenses.

Topics Covered:

• How formularies work and how tier systems directly impact your medication copays
• Navigating coverage phases and understanding how out-of-pocket threshold limits affect you
• Practical cost-saving tips, including mail-order options, generic substitutions, and extra help programs

Date / Time: Wed 11/18 | 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Event Code: 34890

Medicare Fraud Prevention: Protecting Your Identity and Benefits

Protect your health, your identity, and your hard-earned benefits from exploitation. Presented in partnership with the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), this crucial session teaches you how to spot, prevent, and report healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse. Learn how to audit your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) for discrepancies, identify common scams targeting seniors during open enrollment periods, and discover simple steps to protect your personal Medicare number from identity thieves.

Topics Covered:

• The primary signs of Medicare fraud, deceptive marketing practices, and current regional scams
• How to read and verify your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) and Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
• Action steps to safely report suspected errors and secure your personal information

Date / Time: Wed 12/16 | 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Event Code: 34891