Medicare Education & Outreach

Education Offerings

Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging provides Medicare support to central Ohio residents.  Navigating the Medicare system can be difficult.  COAAA has knowledgeable and experienced staff available to answer your questions.  COAAA does not represent or sell insurance products and provides unbiased information to central Ohio residents.  We can provide help on all areas of Medicare, such as:

  • Medicare benefits
  • Medicare Part A and Part B
  • Medicare Advantage, or Part C
  • Prescription drug coverage
  • Medicare coverage gaps
  • Preventative benefits

Medicare for Beginners Video Series

Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging created this series of short videos to introduce you to five Medicare topics.

  • Medicare Part A: This part of Medicare pays expenses when the person has been admitted to the hospital. 
  • Medicare Part B: This part of Medicare provides coverage for doctor services, many medical services provided outside a hospital or on an outpatient basis at a hospital, preventive care, and durable medical equipment.
  • Medicare Advantage: Also known as Medicare Part C, this is an alternative to Medicare and is offered by private companies that contract with Medicare, and include hospital, and medical and prescription coverage all under one plan.
  • Financial assistance: Information about programs that can assist eligible individuals in paying costs not covered by original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan.
  • Medicare vs. Medicaid: An overview of the differences between Medicare and Medicaid and the difference in coverage.
  • Medicare for Beginners: This 24-minute video provides an overview of all of the above topics collectively.

Medicare for Beginners Workshops

If you're new to Medicare or if you need help understanding your options, COAAA's free Medicare for Beginners workshops are a valuable resource for unbiased information to help you make informed decisions.  COAAA does not represent or sell insurance products, and provides unbiased Medicare information to residents.  Please note that workshops vary in start time and between virtual Zoom and in-person meetings. In-person meetings are located at COAAA, 3776 S. High St., Columbus, Ohio 43207. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., call (800) 589-7277, or fill out our online request form if you have questions or need help with navigating the Medicare system.

Upcoming 'Medicare for Beginners' workshops:

  • Wednesday, August 17, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. (Zoom)
  • Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. (In-Person)
  • Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. (In-Person)
  • Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. (Zoom)
  • Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. (Zoom)


How to Register for Medicare Workshops

Registration is required for the workshops.  Email Andy Haggard at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register.  If you have questions or need help navigating the Medicare system, you can call COAAA at 800-589-7277 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  If you would like to view a 'Medicare for Beginners' workshop, which includes informational slides along with an audio presentation, simply click play on the video below.    

Medicare for Beginners Information

 

COAAA Medicare 101: Medicare for Beginners slide show presentation.
Medicare 101 overview
 

 

The Ohio Department of Insurance publishes Medicare 101, an overview of information about Medicare Part A (inpatient coverage), Medicare Part B (outpatient coverage), Medicare Supplements (Medigap), Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage and predatory sales practices.

Medicare Preventative Benefits

Medicare publishes a guide to preventive health services that includes information about what disease prevention is and why it’s important to understand, preventive health services Medicare covers and how often, who can get services, and what beneficiaries pay (often they pay nothing for many services).  Download a copy of Your Guide to Medicare’s Preventive Services.

Medicare Savings Program (MSP) & Medicare Financial Assistance

Financial assistance is available to income-eligible Medicare beneficiaries that helps pay for hospital insurance (Medicare Part A), monthly premiums (Medicare Part B), annual deductibles, and copayments for Medicare prescription drug coverage. 

MSP 2023 monthly income limits: $1661 single; $2239 couple
MSP 2023 maximum assets: $9090 single; $13,630 couple

Visit the Social Security Administration’s Extra Help page and the Medicare Savings Program page on Medicare.gov to learn more about these financial assistance programs and how to apply. COAAA is also available to answer your Medicare questions.  Call 800-589-7277 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..       

Part D Prescription Drug Benefits & Low Income Subsidy (LIS)

For people who qualify, the Social Security Administration offers financial assistance for beneficiaries to assist with the cost of the Medicare prescription drug benefit (Part D).

LIS 2023 monthly income limits: $1843 single; $2239 couple
LIS 2023 maximum assets: $16,660 single; $33,240 couple

If you qualify and are approved for extra help and do not yet have Part D, you may choose and enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. Your coverage will begin the first day of the month following your enrollment. 

Visit the Social Security Administration's Extra Help page to learn about the financial aid program and to apply online or contact COAAA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (800) 589-7277.

There are also several agencies available and willing to assist you in determining if you may qualify and help you through the process: 

Additional Contacts

For individuals NOT yet eligible for Medicare, please visit the following sites to explore assistance or discounts for prescription drugs:


This project was supported in part by grant number 2101OHMIAA/MIDR-00 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington D.C. 20201.  Subrecipients undertaking a project with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions.  Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.