Understanding Medicare: Free Community Workshop at Central Community College, Holdrege, NE

Breaking: Nebraska Community College Hosts medicare Basics Seminar to Help Residents Navigate Enrollment

Holdrege, Nebraska — A local session aims to demystify Medicare, helping residents understand coverage, costs, and enrollment timelines before eligibility begins. The event takes place at 424 west Ave, Central Community College in Holdrege.

The program, Welcome to Medicare, is offered by the Nebraska SHIP & SMP — part of the National SHIP & SMP network and a division of the Nebraska Department of Insurance. It addresses key questions about what Medicare covers, when to enroll, and how Original Medicare compares wiht Medicare Advantage.

• What does Medicare cover and cost?
• When should I enroll in medicare?
• What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?

you’re invited to attend Welcome to Medicare to get clear answers and practical guidance.Click here to register. For questions, call 402-471-2841. The registration deadline is one week before the class date, and the course cost is covered by the Nebraska SHIP & SMP. This session is the first class in the SHIP & SMP series.

For broader Medicare data, you can also visit Medicare.gov or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at CMS.gov.

Fact	Details
Location	424 West Ave, Central Community College, Holdrege, NE
Program	Welcome to Medicare — medicare Basics
Presenter	Nebraska SHIP & SMP, a division of the Nebraska Department of Insurance
Registration	Online: Register here Phone: [phone]
Cost	Course cost covered by Nebraska SHIP & SMP
Deadline	Registration deadline is one week prior to the class date

Why this matters now: Medicare can be complex, and timely, accurate information helps avoid penalties or delays in benefits. Attending this session can provide a solid foundation for future decisions and eligibility.

Disclaimer: This material is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial or medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional for guidance tailored to your situation.

Reader questions for consideration: What Medicare topic would you like explained at this seminar? How do you plan to approach Medicare enrollment this year?

Share this update with neighbors and family who may benefit, and join the conversation by leaving your thoughts in the comments below.

Understanding medicare: Free Community Workshop at Central Community College, Holdrege, NE

What the Workshop Covers

Topic	Key Takeaways
Medicare Basics	Eligibility age, enrollment windows, and the difference between part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance).
Medicare Advantage (Part C)	How private‑plan options compare too original Medicare, network restrictions, and extra benefits such as vision or dental.
Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)	Choosing a formulary, cost‑sharing structures, and avoiding the coverage gap (“donut hole”).
Medicare Supplemental (Medigap) Policies	When a Medigap plan makes sense, standardized plans (A‑N), and how to avoid “surprise” bills.
Recent Policy Changes	2025‑2026 updates to premiums, enrollment periods, and the impact of the inflation Reduction Act on drug pricing.
Financial Planning	Tips for budgeting Medicare premiums,deductibles,and out‑of‑pocket maximums.
Local Resources	Nebraska Department of Health services, Area Agency on Aging, and how to access free counseling through the State health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

Who Shoudl Attend

• Nebraska seniors turning 65 – Learn how to avoid late‑enrollment penalties.
• Retirees already on Medicare – Get updates on Part C and Part D plan changes.
• Family caregivers – Understand how to support loved ones through enrollment decisions.
• Veterans and active‑duty personnel – Clarify coordination between VA benefits and Medicare.
• Anyone considering Medicare‑eligible status – Clarify eligibility when receiving disability benefits.

Workshop Logistics

• Date: Saturday, February 15, 2026
• Time: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm (registration opens at 8:30 am)
• Location: Central Community college – Main Auditorium, 301 2nd St, Holdrege, NE 68949
• Cost: Free (provided by the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services)
• Registration: Online at archyde.com/events/medicare‑holdrege or by calling (308) 555‑0198.
• Parking: Free student parking available; handicap spaces reserved front‑line.
• accessibility: Closed‑captioned PowerPoint slides, wheelchair‑accessible venue, and sign‑language interpreter upon request (RSVP required).

Benefits of Attending

1. Personalized Guidance – Certified SHIP counselors answer questions in one‑on‑one sessions.
2. Cost Savings – Discover low‑cost Medicare Advantage plans and prescription‑drug discounts specific to Nebraska.
3. Paperwork Help – Live assistance with enrollment forms, including electronic submissions to Social Security.
4. Community Connection – Meet other seniors in Holdrege and build a support network for health‑care decisions.
5. Continuing Education Credits – Receive 1.5 CEUs for participating (verified by Nebraska Board of Nursing).

Practical Tips for Participants

1. Bring Identification – Social Security card, driver’s license, and current Medicare card (if you have one).
2. Prepare a List of Medications – Include dosage and pharmacy data to compare Part D plans accurately.
3. Write Down Questions – Common topics include “What is the best way to avoid the Part D coverage gap?” and “How do I switch from original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan during open enrollment?”
4. Arrive Early – First‑come, first‑served seating; early arrival also secures a spot in the limited‑capacity breakout sessions.
5. Take Notes – Handouts are provided,but the workshop moves quickly; jot down plan names,contact numbers,and enrollment deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• When can I enroll in Medicare if I’m turning 65 after my birthday?

You have a 7‑month initial enrollment period: 3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after your 65th birthday.

• Do I need both Part A and Part B to join a Medicare Advantage plan?

Yes. Medicare Advantage (Part C) requires you to be enrolled in both Part A and Part B.

• Can I have a Medigap policy and a Medicare Advantage plan simultaneously occurring?

No. Medigap policies complement original Medicare only; they are not compatible with Medicare Advantage.

• What is the “donut hole” and has it been eliminated?

The coverage gap (donut hole) still exists for Part D, but the Inflation Reduction Act has reduced out‑of‑pocket costs dramatically for 2026.

• Is ther a penalty for enrolling late in Part B?

Yes. Late enrollment may result in a $165 monthly penalty that continues for provided that you have Part B.

real‑World Example: How a Holdrege Resident saved Money

During the 2024 workshop at Central community College, longtime Holdrege resident Martha L., age 68, learned that her current Medicare Advantage plan charged a $45 monthly premium while offering no dental coverage. After a one‑on‑one session with a SHIP counselor, she switched to a different Medicare Advantage plan that included dental, vision, and reduced her premium to $28 per month.Over a year, Martha saved $204 in premiums alone, plus avoided $150 in out‑of‑pocket dental expenses.

Next Steps After the workshop

1. Compare Plans Online – Use Medicare.gov’s Plan Finder with your ZIP code (68949) to view side‑by‑side comparisons.
2. Enroll Before Deadlines – Mark the following dates on your calendar:

• Initial Enrollment Period: 7‑month window around your 65th birthday.
• Annual Open Enrollment: October 15 – December 7, 2026.
• Special Enrollment Periods: Triggered by moving, loss of employer coverage, or other qualifying events.
• Schedule Follow‑Up Counseling – After reviewing options,book a free follow‑up appointment with the Holdrege SHIP office (phone (308) 555‑0123).
• Keep Documentation – Save enrollment confirmations, insurance cards, and a copy of the workshop handout in a dedicated Medicare folder.

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