OSF Connects Communities with Medicare Education and Resources

Nearly 70% of people nearing retirement say they wish they had a better understanding of how Medicare works, according to a recent Nationwide survey. As Medicare enrollment season approaches, OSF HealthCare is taking steps to help patients and caregivers better understand Medicare coverage.

“Patients want to ensure that visits to their doctors’ offices and services provided by their local hospitals will be covered by their insurance plans,” said Mark Meeker, DO, vice president of community medicine for OSF HealthCare. “The desire to double check coverage is especially strong during open enrollment periods when patients may be considering switching plans.” To help community members with this ‘homework,’ Dr. Meeker explained that the OSF HealthCare website has been updated to include not only an updated listing of insurance plans accepted at its facilities but also helpful links to Medicare tips and resources.

“One resource that some patients don’t realize they have available to them is free counseling,” said Dr. Meeker. “Counseling services are provided through the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP), which is a free statewide health insurance counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers. SHIP provides information and resources about applying for Medicare.”

Additionally, OSF has partnered with Health Alliance to offer OSF MedAdvantage, a new Medicare Advantage health plan that debuted in 2020. Informational seminars that explain the partnership and the different plan options will be hosted online throughout the enrollment period. Specific dates and times can be found by visiting www.OSFMedAdvantage.org.

OSF MedAdvantage plans are available in the following Illinois counties: Boone, Bureau, DeWitt, Henderson, Henry, Knox, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, McLean, Peoria, Putnam, Stark, Tazewell, Warren, Winnebago, and Woodford.