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"I need to get a Golden Buckeye card. I am so confused about Medicare. Can you help me?" Inquiries like these are very common at the Newton Falls Public Library. Individuals with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 59, as well as others age 60 and older can apply for a Golden Buckeye card at the library. Those with disabilities must bring one of the following: a Medicare card; a Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income acceptance letter or documentation; any document certifying permanent and total disability issued by the Bureau of Workers' Compensation, Industrial Commission, Bureau of Disability Determination or MR/DD; or a copy of any document certifying permanent and total (100%) disability issued by any Federal or Ohio public employee retirement system.
If you are turning 60 years of age and have either an Ohio driver's license or Ohio ID card, a Golden Buckeye card will be automatically mailed to you within 4 weeks of your birthday. If you do not have one of these forms of identification, or you moved to the community after your 60th birthday, you may apply for your card at the library. In order to apply, you will need to bring some form of legal documentation displaying your date of birth. The library will issue you a temporary card.
While the library staff cannot advise you on what Medicare decisions to make, we can offer information about what is available. You may borrow the Ohio Department of Insurance Ohio Shoppers Guide to "Medicare Supplement Insurance, Medicare Options & New Part D." Medicare.gov, the website from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is an extremely useful website. There is information at this site which is useful for all consumers, including finding a doctor, as well as comparing hospitals, home health care, nursing homes, and health plans. The Social Security Administration has made available pamphlets dealing with Medicare Prescription Drug coverage and Savings Programs. The "I helped my mom save $3,600 on prescription drugs. You can too!" pamphlets can be picked up in the reference area of the library. Socialsecurity.gov is also a good website to look at for information. This site includes the "Application For Extra Help With Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs" along with what information you will need and special instructions for blind users. To gain knowledge about the financial condition of various health insurance companies, refer to "Best's Pocket Key Rating Guide Life-Health United States". Current ratings can be found at ambest.com.
On Monday, May 19 at 6:00 p.m., there will be a special program, "Everything You Need to Know to Get Started with Medicare," for those going on it for the first time. Presented by Laura Mutsko of Mutsko Insurance, the class will be approximately 90 minutes long with time following for questions. Included will be an explanation of what Medicare parts A, B, C, and D cover and what they do not, what it costs, what decisions you will need to make, and how and when to apply for it. This program is designed to make Medicare easy to understand. To register for this program or to get more information visit the Newton Falls Public Library, 204 S. Canal St. Newton Falls, phone 330-872-1282, or online at www.newtonfalls.org.
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