On January 21, 2010 I attended a talk, “Medicare and You: DeCoding the Plan” sponsored by The Transition Network in New York City.

The speaker was Susan Batkin, Director of Casework at the Medicare Rights Center. Her presentation was very informative as she sorted out the morass of Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Prescription Drug plans, Medigap, and Medicare Advantage.

Most importantly, I learned about an important nonprofit organization, The Medicare Rights Center that works to ensure access to affordable health care for older adults and people with disabilities through counseling, educational programs and public policy initiatives.

Visit their website http://www.medicarerights.org/ to learn about all that they have to offer including:

• A national hotline for one-on-one telephone counseling (1-800-333-4114)
• Detailed information about the Medicare rules and regulations, including an interactive “counselor”
• Webinars to provide instruction on Medicare issues
• In the NYC/Westchester area, community programs to educate the public about Medicare.

Last but not least, the website can fill you in on volunteer opportunities and, most importantly, how to donate!