Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida
HELPLINE: 866-413-5337
Medicare Minute: Medigap Policies and Why You Should Be Reading Your Medicare Statements
Original Medicare Part B covers 80% of most services, leaving 20% and other out-of-pocket costs, like deductibles or inpatient copays. Medigaps help cover these costs. What are they? Medigaps are health insurance policies that offer standardized benefits to… Read More
Medicare Minute: Medicare and Employer Coverage
What is the difference between primary and secondary coverage? When you have Medicare and another type of insurance, Medicare will pay primary or secondary for your medical costs. Primary insurance pays first for your medical bills. Secondary insurance… Read More
Volunteer to Become a Trained SHINE Medicare Counselor
Make a difference by helping others navigate Medicare, join our SHINE team!Medicare can be complicated, but as a trained volunteer you can help by answering questions and providing personalized guidance to members of your community as they enroll… Read More
Medicare Minute: Premium-related Appeals and Troubleshooting
Late enrollment in Medicare or a higher income can lead to higher premiums. However, everyone has the right to appeal their premium determination. Understanding how these premiums work can help you assess their accuracy and decide if you… Read More
Medicare’s General Enrollment Period
Typically, individuals enroll in Medicare during the months surrounding their 65th birthday. However, if you missed your seven-month Initial Enrollment Period, there’s still hope. You may be eligible to sign up during the General Enrollment Period (January 1… Read More
Prevent, Detect, Report
Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) team members help educate and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse. To learn more, visit https://smpresource.org/. Ask for help. If you have… Read More
Medicare Minute: What’s New for Medicare in 2025?
Your Medicare coverage and costs can change annually, so it’s important to review your benefits. Here’s an overview of what’s new in 2025. (Download a detailed breakdown – PDF Handout) Part A: Hospital Insurance Part A premium Free… Read More
Medicare Minute: Adding on to Medicare
Medicare covers a lot, but Medicare Parts A and B alone may not offer all the coverage you want or need. For example, Medicare doesn’t cover most dental, vision, and hearing care, including hearing aids. It also doesn’t… Read More
Volunteer to Be a Medicare Counselor
Make a difference by helping others navigate Medicare, join our team! In Florida, your local SHIP program is SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders). Learn more about volunteering with SHINE here. We currently need volunteers in DeSoto, Glades,… Read More
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Last Updated: July 21, 2025 by
Never Sign Anything in Exchange for ‘Free’ Services – It’s a Scam!
Medicare.gov has shared the latest scam targeting older adults! Scammers, sometimes posing as salespeople, are offering “free” services or gifts. Beware, they may be trying to trick you into signing up for hospice care without your knowledge. How… Read More