Welcome to Medicare Education Program from OSHIIP

The Ohio Department of Insurance

Welcome to Medicare

Learn ways to

Stay informed - Stay healthy - Save money

Do you need accurate, unbiased information about Medicare?

The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) is hosting community events across the state and webinars to provide objective information on Medicare enrollment, benefits and options. OSHIIP will also discuss ways to lower costs and offer resources for assistance. 

Get the answers you need at our Welcome To Medicare!

Note: Event information and dates are subject to change.

Event details as of: Mon Apr 15 2019 - 2:06:40 PM

* All events are presentations unless otherwise noted

In person training:

Summit County

Twinsburg

Twinsburg Community Center

10260 Ravenna Road

Twinsburg 44087

5/14/2019 4:00 PM 

* Please call 330-963-8722 to reserve a seat.

Welcome to Medicare Webcasts

(click to register)

4/23/2019 6:00 PM 5/9/2019 4:00 PM
5/23/2019 6:00 PM 6/13/2019 4:00 PM
6/25/2019 6:00 PM 7/18/2019 4:00 PM 8/15/2019 6:00 PM 9/16/2019 4:00 PM
10/7/2019 4:00 PM 11/14/2019 6:00 PM
12/16/2019 4:00 PM Source:  http://www.insurance.ohio.gov/Consumer/OSHIIP/SitePages/WelcomeToMedicare.aspx

Medicare Checkup Days Summit County 2011

OSHIIP Medicare Checkup Days 2011 Summit Co

SSI/SSDI Application Assistance

Need help applying for Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance?

The SSI Ohio Project, administered by the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO), helps individuals 18 and older who are dealing with homelessness and/or mental health issues apply for SSI and SSDI and other benefits.

For assistance in the Akron area, contact:

Community Support Services Inc.
Specialist: Twanette Pinkerton
150 Cross Street
Akron, Ohio 44311
330-253-9675
pinketwa@cssbh.org
By appointment only

To find other specialists in Ohio, click here and check the SSI/SSDI box on the upper right.

Another good resource in our area for help with disability information and assistance is the Tri-County Independent Living Center in Akron.  Tri-County provides information on disability benefits, housing modifications, durable medical equipment, and many other pertinent programs and services.  Call 330-762-0007.

It is common to be denied the first time you apply for SSI/SSDI.  You must file a written appeal within the time limit specified (typically 60 days from the date you receive their letter) in order to receive further consideration.  If you need assistance filing an appeal and cannot afford an attorney, contact Community Legal Aid.  The attorneys at Legal Aid are very knowlegeable about SSI/SSDI appeals, and can help you navigate the sometimes complex appeals process. 

To read more about the appeals process, click here.

Military service members can sometimes receive additional assistance through the Wounded Warriors Program, including expedited processing of claims.  These benefits are different from those offered by the Department of Veterans Affiars.  A separate application should be filed with Social Security.  For help with these and other claims, contact the Summit County Veterans Service Commission.

Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare is health insurance for U.S. citizens age 65 and above and for those under 65 with certain disabilities or conditions.  If you are new to Medicare services, click here for a basic overview of the programs.  For a more detailed overview, click here to view the Guide to Medicare Supplement Insurance, Medicare Options, and Part D.

Every year, Medicare plans change what they cost and also what they cover.  Beginning November 15, 2010, all people with Medicare should review their current coverage, learn about any changes for the coming year, and choose the Medicare plan that works best for them.  For more information on how to approach and conduct your yearly plan review, view this publication and visit this site.

This year, the Affordable Care Act provides important new benefits to most people with Medicare starting in January 2011.  For instance, in 2011, if you hit the prescription drug donut hole (or Part D coverage gap), you will get a 50% discount on brand-name drugs. Every year after, you will pay less for your prescription drugs in the donut hole until there’s complete coverage of the donut hole in 2020. Between now and then, you will get continuous Medicare coverage for your prescription drugs.  To view additional ways to lower your prescription costs during the coverage gap, click here.  The Affordable Care Act also brings provisions for free annual wellness visits and free mammograms, colonoscopies and other screenings. To view more information on Medicare and changes in the new health law, click here.

To compare different Medicare plans and choose the best one for you, click here.

If you need any help or information regarding Medicare, the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program is an excellent resource.  Their toll-free hotline provides free information about Medicare programs and services.  Call 1-800-686-1578. 

Finally, there is a large library of information on various topics related to Medicare on their website.  Click here to view, download, print, and order these publications. 

Source:  U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Medicare Check-up Event

Do you need accurate, unbiased information about Medicare and the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit? Get the answers you need this fall with Medicare Check-Up Days, a series of community events presented by the Ohio Department of Insurance and its Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP).  On-site enrollment is offered at most events starting Nov. 15.

Summit County — Twinsburg
Weds. Nov. 17; 10 a.m.

Twinsburg Public Library
10050 Ravenna Rd.
Education, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Counseling, by appointment only, noon - 4 p.m. Call (330) 425-4268

For a listing of Medicare Check-up Events in other Ohio counties, click here.

For more information on Medicare, click here.

The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP), founded in 1992, is a state and federally funded program that educates, counsels and advocates for Medicare beneficiaries. OSHIIP assists Ohio Medicare beneficiaries and their family members through a toll free hotline at 1-800-686-1578, the Department web site, a speakers’ bureau, educational publications, and a network of approximately 1,200 statewide trained and certified volunteers.  This is an extremely reliable and valuable resource for anyone with questions about Medicare services and plans. 

To contact OSHIIP, click here.

Free Medicare Education Program

Sept 8 Medicare Info Event