Eligibility for Medicare
Always remember that if you are turning 65 you should contact social security to enroll in Medicare. Medicare eligibility has no connection to your eligibility for social security benefits. Also coverage from the health connector does not exempt you from this requirement to enroll in Medicare, as you will lose your health connector subsidy when you turn 65. If you have any questions you should contact your shine regional office at 800-243-4636, option number 3.
Medicare & More Program
The Central Massachusetts SHINE Program is now sponsoring a monthly cable television program called "SHINE’s Medicare and More”, you can view should your cable pick it up. This program is designed to educate and update medicare beneficiaries and their families on MEDICARE and other programs that can assist you with your health insurance needs. If you don’t see it on your local cable channel give them call and ask about it.
Central Mass Shine Website
The Central Massachusetts Region has recently launched it website. Our site has valuable general information and links to other agencies that can assist you with you insurance needs.
Assistance
Trained SHINE volunteers can help you! They offer free, unbiased, confidential counseling on all aspects of health insurance to anyone on Medicare. Call your senior center and ask for a SHINE appointment. You can also call 800-AGE-INFO (800-243-4636), then press or say 3. Once you get the SHINE answering machine, leave your name and number. A volunteer will call you back.