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FAIRMONT -- A new to Medicare virtual class will take place from 8:30-10 a.m. today. The class is being offered by Senior LinkAge Line in partnership with the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging.
The Senior LinkAge Line is a free, state-wide service of the Minnesota Board on Aging in partnership with the Area Agencies on Aging. They assist older adults and their caregivers by connecting them to local resources, finding answers to their questions and assisting them to get the help they need.
Brittany Johnson, a Volunteer Coordinator with Senior LinkAge Line, explained how the class came to be offered virtually.
"Pre-pandemic, this class was offered typically two times a month throughout our service area, in person. Now we have the technology and resources to offer this class virtually."
Johnson said she thinks it will be able to reach more people since they won't need to travel anywhere to attend the class in person.
"It allows us to reach a state-wide audience, since Senior LinkAge Line is a service throughout the state. It's nice that different areas can cross over their attendance," Johnson said.
This specific class is designed for people who are new to Medicare, such as people who are just retiring, turning 65 or have been disabled for two years and are receiving disability benefits.
Topics include a comprehensive introduction to Medicare, including what Medicare covers, supplemental insurance and Part D prescription coverage. During the class, enrollment details also will be discussed.
Johnson said it is a classroom style class with a Powerpoint presentation. Johnson will be teaching most of the upcoming classes but other staff members are trained and can teach the class as well.
To take the class, you'll need to register online. The link can be found at www.mnraaa.org/calendar.
"People can search for upcoming virtual classes and complete registration. Once they register, they get a link to click at the time of the class," Johnson said.
Senior LinkAge Line also offers classes on planing for long-term care, how to avoid consumer fraud and what's new to Medicare.
"All the services offered by Senior LinkAge Line are free. That's a huge benefit to our service," Johnson said.
The Senior LinkAge Line offers phone-based assistance Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The agency can be reached at 800-333-2433.
There will be another new to Medicare virtual class from 3-4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26.