Are you eligible for Medicare and curious about your plan options? The Upper Cumberland SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) is conducting a series of FREE “Welcome to Medicare!” classes in Crossville this year.

Classes will be hosted monthly at the Art Circle Library located at 3 East St. in Crossville. Each class will consist of training on Parts A, B, C & D, as well as Medigap policies, ways to prevent Medicare fraud, and more. This year’s class schedule is as follows:

                    • Thursday, Feb. 17 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
                    • Saturday, Mar. 19 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
                    • Tuesday, Apr. 5 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
                    • Saturday, May 21 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
                    • Monday, June 6 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
                    • Friday, July 15 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
                    • Monday, Aug.8 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
                    • Thursday, Sept. 22 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Availability is limited and it is recommended interested individuals register as soon as possible in order to attend this free class. SHIP is a federally funded program administered through the Area Agency on Aging & Disability (AAAD). Please call SHIP at 931-432-4150, visit the Upper Cumberland SHIP Facebook page at facebook.com/UCSHIP or email (ship@ucdd.org) to register for one of the free Welcome to Medicare classes or to learn more about other programs and services available.

SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) and SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) are administered locally with the Upper Cumberland Development District and cover all 14 Upper Cumberland counties. SHIP/SMP representatives provide free and unbiased Medicare counseling for any questions, abuse or concerns; they will also screen Medicare beneficiaries for Low-Income Assistance Programs. For more information, call SHIP at 1-877-801-0044 or 931-432-4150.

The AAAD at Upper Cumberland Development District, connects older adults and adults with disabilities in the 14-county Upper Cumberland region with services and resources to improve their
quality of life.