Westchester Insider: Westchester County Legislator Jose Alvarado 17th District: Senior Benefits Information Centers: Free Medicare Counseling from Library System Volunteers.

 

Senior Benefits Information Centers: Free Medicare Counseling from Library System Volunteers.

The Westchester Library System’s Senior Benefits Individual Counseling (SBIC) program brings together HIICAP (Health Insurance Information, Counseling & Assistance Program) certified senior volunteers to provide information on choices for Medicare coverage and other senior benefits. Free counseling is available on the SBIC helpline at (914) 231-3260 or SBIC@wlsmail.org. Leave your name, phone number, question and a good time for counselors to call back. You may expect a return call within two business days. Read more about the SBIC program. 

Westchester Library System's volunteer Medicare counseling is back in person at two libraries.

Anyone with questions about Medicare and other senior benefits can get free counseling weekly at the following two locations, no appointment needed:

• Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the John C. Hart Memorial Library in Yorktown

• Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Grinton I. Will Library in Yonkers

By talking to a volunteer SBIC counselor you can get personalized information about:

• Medicare - how to enroll, how to navigate services, how to change plans, planning around retirement

• Part D prescription drug coverage

• EPIC (a state pharmaceutical program for seniors)

• Medicare savings plans for low-income seniors

• Library services for people with visual impairments and other disabilities or mobility challenges

• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), food stamps and other benefit programs designed to assist seniors stay healthy and connected

Help is also available at the following resources:

• Visit Medicare, or call (800)-633-4227

• Visit Medicare Rights Center or call (800) 333-4114

• Call the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services Medicare Information Line at (914) 813-6100, from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

SBIC is a collaborative program of the Westchester Library System and Westchester County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services. They are funded by Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the New York State Office for the Aging.