Retirement Planning Checklist – This checklist should be used as a guide to help you plan for retirement if you are within 12 months of retiring. It is by no means a complete list, based on your own personal circumstances you may need to research additional resources.
Medicare – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the official U.S. Government Site for Medicare. Generally, enrollment in Medicare A is automatic at age 65, Medicare B can be waived if at age 65 full time benefit eligible work continues. Check with Social Security and Medicare to determine your own eligibility requirements.
State Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Programs (SHIPs) – SHIP can answer your questions about choosing a health care plan; deciding between original Medicare (fee-for-service) and Medicare Advantage Plan, understanding your new health plan choices, understand your Medicare bill, how/whether to purchase additional health insurance (Medigap policy, long-term care insurance, etc.), understanding how to appeal payment denials, understand your Medicare rights/protections and how to submit a complaint about medical care or treatment.
Elder Services – The mission of Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. is to provide Berkshire elders the opportunity to live with dignity, independence, and self-determination, and to achieve the highest possible quality of life. SHINE (Serving the Health Information Needs of our Elders) is a state funded advocacy program for reviewing Medigap options, Elder Services can assist with qualifying for subsidized programs.
Ecu-Health Care – Ecu-health Care’s mission is to help the uninsured and under-insured residents of North Berkshire access affordable health care.