Medicare at Movies presented Wednesday

COLUMBUS -- Medicare at the Movies, sponsored by the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (S.H.I.I.P.) will be held beginning at 9 a.m. Wednesday, at the Center 7 Theater at the 30 Center Mall.

A presentation detailing the changing aspects of Medicare for 2009 will be offered with time for questions through the course of the presentation.

This event is for anyone on Medicare, those who will become eligible soon or family members helping their parents with Medicare choices,” said Dorothy Zwick, local S.H.I.I.P volunteer.

Representatives from the Social Security Administration, Health and Human Services and S.H.I.I.P. will be on hand to answer questions.

Attendees will learn about Medicare deductibles, coverage of preventative health care, eligibility criteria and Medicare C, also known as Medicare Advantage.

“Medicare Advantage is not a new program, but it is new to our area,” said Zwick. “One of the most important things people need to do before signing up for Medicaid Advantage is to check with each of their medical providers to make sure they accept that coverage.”

Zwick said important contact information, freebies and drawings will be held during the event and a short movie warning of the dangers of Medicare fraud will be shown at the close of the program.

“We plan on having a good time and hope many people take advantage of this free information,” Zwick said. “We don't sell anything, but we do want people to know what to ask when making their own choices and what to look for.”

Zwick said popcorn and beverages will be served during the presentation and the Consonaires, a local, women’s three-part harmony singing group will provide entertainment.

For more information, call Dorothy Zwick at 564-4355 or visit the S.H.I.I.P. Web site at www.doi.ne.gov/shiip or the Medicare Web site at www.medicare.gov/choices/Overview.asp.

To contact the main office of S.H.I.I.P. call 1-800-234-7119 and ask for Debbie, Phyllis, Sally or Cathy.