Published: November 03, 2009 10:03 pm      

Commissioner Holland plans Medicare event, free seats still left

OKLAHOMA CITY — With Medicare open enrollment quickly approaching, Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland is hosting the inaugural “Navigating the Medicare Maze” event in an effort to educate senior citizens, insurance agents, nursing home administrators, senior caregivers and the public at large about the basics of Medicare and recent changes to the program.

National and local Medicare experts will discuss the basics of Medicare, the latest on Medicare’s Prescription Drug Coverage and the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Gap plans all in time for Medicare’s annual “open enrollment” period, which runs from Nov. 15 through Dec. 31 each year.

The general public will be charged $10 to attend the event with the first 100 registrants getting in for free. For those seeking CE credit the event will cost $40. Lunch will be provided for all participants. The event is from 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Thursday at the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, 4040 N. Lincoln Blvd. in Oklahoma City.

Insurance producers can earn six hours of continuing education credit, including one hour of legislative update CE for the day. The event also will satisfy the Medicare renewal requirement for those licensed to sell Medicare. In addition, five hours of CE credit are available to both licensed long-term care administrators and licensed social workers.

Participants may register for the event online at www.ok.gov/oid/Medicare_Maze.html.

Oklahomans with insurance questions or concerns are encouraged to call the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071.