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NewsPress Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2013

Free “Health Insurance” Workshops to Educate New Yorkers on Medicare,the Affordable Care Act, and the New York Health Benefit Exchange

Hosted by the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Sessions will explain how to get the most out of Medicare benefits and healthcare reform; open enrollment taking place now.

Healthcare 101 Workshops

New York, NY ― The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will host free public workshops at HHC hospitals and large health centers to help New Yorkers understand and get the most out of benefits during the Medicare open enrollment period, October 1 to December 7, 2013.

The sessions will also include information on health care reform, the Affordable Care Act and “New York State of Health,” the new health insurance exchange established by New York State to assist consumers in selecting and purchasing health insurance plans. Open enrollment at New York State of Health begins October 1 and runs through March 31, 2014.

Health insurance specialists from CMS will conduct 13 learning sessions at HHC hospitals and health centers in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens between September 24 and December 4.

The workshops will provide Medicare information and materials that are current, accurate and consistent for those who are new to Medicare, those who want a refresher course and prepare coming-of-agers (approaching age 65).

“Many people have questions about the Affordable Care Act and the State’s new health insurance exchange, which contains numerous insurance options and offers many New Yorkers subsidies to make coverage affordable,” said HHC President Alan D. Aviles. “Senior citizens in particular are a significant and growing part of our patient population and we are providing this important information to assist them in making informed decisions about their healthcare.”

Workshop participants will learn about:

  • The benefits of the Medicare program and how to apply.
  • The parts of Medicare: Part A: hospital insurance; Part B: medical insurance – outpatient visits, lab work, preventive services; Part C: health plans; and Part D: prescription drug coverage.
  • The Medicare appeals process.
  • The Medicare programs in place for people with limited income and resources.
  • The new Medicare Medication Therapy Management Program.
  • Updates on health care reform.
  • How the New York Health Benefit Exchange works.
  • Other health care resources for the uninsured.

CMS is the federal agency that provides health coverage for 100 million people through Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program. Medicare is a health insurance program for people age 65 or older, people younger than 65 with disabilities, and people with end stage renal disease who require dialysis or a transplant.

“These workshops are an excellent way to inform beneficiaries, caregivers, coming-of-agers, and all who serve people with Medicare,” said Norma Harris, CMS health insurance specialist. “Through education, CMS is committed to continuing the important work involved in transforming health care delivery systems and helping to ensure a healthy future for all.”

Workshops take place from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Free registration is required. More information, including online registration and a map of each location, is available at the links below. Participants may also register by calling 212-788-3450.

There will be three sessions in Manhattan:

  • Tuesday, October 8, Bellevue Hospital Center, 462 First Avenue, Manhattan
  • Tuesday, November 19, Metropolitan Hospital Center, 1901 First Avenue, Manhattan
  • Tuesday, December 3, Harlem Hospital Center, 506 Lenox Avenue, Manhattan

 


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