The Eva K. Bowlby Public Library will be hosting Understanding Medicare, a meeting Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 6-7 p.m. The meeting will be an informational and educational workshop to understand the different supplemental parts of Medicare and the options they include.

Kathy Douglas, staff member of Bowlby Library, said the complex nature of health insurance is what inspires these meetings and makes events like these significant.

“Medicare to me is kind of complicated because you have parts A, B, C and D, supplemental insurances, prescription insurance; it’s just a complicated thing that seniors need to know,” Douglas said. “I believe it’s important to understand the benefits you will have from each supplemental part.”

The event is free to attend and will be led by Kenneth Burdine, a member of the Marley Financial Group. The group is offering these meetings free of charge to Bowlby library.

“[Burdine] just wants to see what the response is in our area, and if there’s a good response on Understanding Medicare or Healthcare Options, then he would probably book more of those,” Douglas said.

According to ehealthinsurance.com, more than two million Pennsylvanians were enrolled in Medicare in 2018 . Additionally, kff.org offers history on Medicare that provides perspective on its scope.

“Medicare is the federal health insurance program created in 1965 for people ages 65 and over, regardless of income, medical history or health status,” according to kff.org. “The program was expanded in 1972 to cover certain people under age 65 who have a long-term disability. Today, Medicare plays a key role in providing health and financial security to 60 million older people and younger people with disabilities.”

Douglas knows that number will be increasing.

“There’s a large group of baby boomers that are reaching this age right now,” Douglas said. “It’s important that this information be given to those reaching the eligibility age.”

Douglas said it’s important for the residents in the area to attend the meetings so they understand their options. One option might be better for them than another depending on their state of health. 

“A large portion of a senior’s day can be going to doctor appointments, so knowing what’s best for them is important,” Douglas said.

The Marley Financial Group will also be hosting another healthcare meeting clarifying available health options on March 4. Any questions can be answered by calling Bowlby Library at 724-627-9776.