If you are nearing the age of 65 you have probably already been bombarded with mailings about Medicare plans that are best for you.

Or perhaps you see the commercials advertising this insurance that can save you money.

It is important for everyone becoming eligible for Medicare to get accurate information about coverage and delivery options, but how can you know that the information you get is unbiased?

That is where the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) can help.

SHIIP is a division of the N.C. Department of Insurance. Trained counselors are available to help with Medicare questions. The local coordinating site for SHIIP counselors is Davie County Senior Services.

To help with transition to Medicare, Davie Senior Services will offer a “Welcome to Medicare” lunch on Friday, Aug. 28 from 10 a.m.-noon. Director Kim Shuskey, a trained SHIIP counselor, will lead the interactive training to help manage the Medicare maze to make the choices.

Topics will include:

• first steps to take before you turn 65 and enrollment opportunities;

• Medicare Parts A & B – what each covers, and the costs associated with each;

• supplements, what do they cover, who needs them, what are the costs and how to choose the best;

• prescription drug plans, how to choose the best, what are the costs and what is the donut hole;

• advantage plans, how to know if they are right for you; and

• what type of assistance programs are available to help pay for Medicare-related costs.

Information is presented in an unbiased manner. SHIIP representatives do not sell insurance and do not favor one company over another.

Shuskey will break down the complicated maze in an understandable manner.

A light lunch will be served. To attend, RSVP senior services at 753-6230 by Friday, Aug. 21.