Medicare beneficiaries, their caregivers, and family members who have questions or concerns about Medicare and related health insurance topics have a new place to turn. The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas County will be partnering with Gulfport Public Library to provide Medicare counseling through the SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program. On Wednesday, September 16th at 1:00 pm, specially trained volunteers of the SHINE Program will begin offering Medicare presentations at Gulfport Public Library located at 5501 28th Ave S., Gulfport, FL 33707.
SHINE is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs that empowers elders to make informed decisions about their health care coverage. SHINE Volunteer Counselors through the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas County provide free, unbiased information and counseling at sites across Pasco & Pinellas counties and will now also help elders at the new Gulfport location.
Every day, SHINE Volunteers answer questions about Medicare, Medicaid, prescription assistance, long-term care planning, and more. The new Gulfport, Florida partner site will allow the program to reach more community members who may be unaware of SHINE and the benefits the program offers. SHINE Volunteer Counselors can even assist eligible Medicare beneficiaries in finding programs that lower prescription drug costs or provide prescription drugs at no cost. For more information, you may also call 727-217-8111 or 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) or visit us online at www.floridashine.org.