The Illinois Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program at AgeOptions empowers consumers to prevent healthcare fraud. With volunteers and program staff, we help people with Medicare to Prevent, Detect, and Report Medicare fraud and abuse. In this session we’ll dive into the most common Medicare fraud scams and how to prevent, detect, and report them!

Join a SHIP Certified Medicare Counselor for an easy-to-understand presentation of SHIP Counselor and overview of Medicare. This presentation explains how Medicare works, when and how to enroll, what coverage options are available, and where to get free, trusted help. Information is unbiased and educational—no sales or insurance marketing. Presented by: Christopher Hashimoto, Senior Services Coordinator, Senior Services, SHIP Certified Medicare Counselor, Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital

What is Medicare 2026 

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that helps Americans pay for the high cost of health care. Medicare is for people 65 or better, under 65 with certain disabilities, and any age with end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant). You must enroll within a seven-month window that begins three months before you turn 65, which includes your birthday month, and ends three months following your birthday. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. You can still choose to turn down Part B coverage, for which there is a cost. You should sign up for Medicare as soon as you're eligible to avoid gaps in coverage and late enrollment penalties. If you retire and are eligible for Medicare but opt for COBRA insurance coverage instead, you might be responsible for significant bills.

Medicare & You 2026 

The Official U.S. Government Medicare Handbook

Join us for an informative presentation on Medicare! Whether you're approaching eligibility, helping a loved one navigate their options, or simply want to better understand how Medicare works, this session will cover the basics and beyond. Presented by: Carrie Espinosa, Horizon Benefit Services

Applying to receive Medicaid Long Term Care in a Nursing Facility is a time-consuming process, but getting each step correct will ultimately land you or your loved one in the right nursing home with expenses paid by your state’s Medicaid. The process differs depending on the applicant’s financial situation.

Medicaid Long Term Care coverage cannot be directly transferred from state to state. Read this article to learn how to receive new coverage

Medicaid Spend-Down Check List 

Medicaid spend-down check list written by elder law attorney, John Belconis.