Senior Resource Center
For Douglas County
Medicare and Insurance
Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) is the federal State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for navigating Medicare in Kansas. SHICK is free, unbiased, and confidential. Trained community counselors answer questions about Medicare and other insurance issues. This program is supported by grants and donations. We do not sell anything.
See our Resources Page for helpful websites, publications and information about health care and financial assistance!
Welcome to Medicare
Starting full Medicare coverage in the next 90 days and need guidance? We can help!
These four easy steps will provide information, presentations, and contacts to help you make the transition and secure the best coverage to suit your needs whether you are still employed, on disability, or will be relying on Medicare coverage for your health insurance coverage.
STEP 1: Download or Request a SRC Medicare Checklist
Turning 65 soon or approved for Medicare because of disability?
Delayed full Medicare and now stopping/losing employer health insurance?
“What an incredible program. Thanks for providing this service to the community.”
STEP 2: Register here for SRC’s Welcome to Medicare Session
This is a monthly presentation by a certified SHICK counselor covering Medicare deadlines, coverage options, penalties for inaction, and more. Highly Recommended. Seating is limited.
“It was a very informational meeting. I will refer any 64-year-olds I meet.”
STEP 3: Make an Individual Appointment
Meet with a SHICK counselor to review your final plan selections once you have your Medicare card and attended a Welcome to Medicare presentation.
“I came into the meeting knowing nothing about Medicare and came out feeling like I had all the resources and information I needed. Thank you!”
STEP 4: Annual Medicare Open Enrollment
Between October 15 and December 7 every year, review/change your Part D drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan coverage. Make sure you can get your prescriptions at the lowest cost at your preferred pharmacy. See what new plans are available.
“I appreciated the information and ways to cut down on medical prescription costs. We are so lucky to have this service.”
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, January 1 - March 31
This is an additional special time for those with Medicare Advantage to change your Medicare Advantage plan or revert to traditional Medicare (Parts A, B, Supplement, D). Schedule an individual appointment during this period with a SHICK counselor if you wish to review or make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan.
Assistance With Premiums and Coverage
Do you have questions about coverage?
Do you need help to lower prescription drug and premium costs? Do you have questions about what Medicare covers or how much Medicare pays for claims?
Make an appointment with a SHICK counselor to assess your situation and answer your questions.
Volunteer
Interested in helping others with Medicare?
Our SHICK counselors provide a valuable service. Most have been through this process themselves and enjoy helping others make informed decisions. Some of our counselors volunteer year-round; others volunteer only during the fall open enrollment period. Our volunteers provide year-round assistance with phone calls and directing the public to resources. More information here.
Download the application and submit via email to medicare@yoursrc.org or deliver to 745 Vermont St., Lawrence. We will contact you.
This publication is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award grant numbers 90SAPG0093 & 2201KSMISH by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
Contact Us
745 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044
Hours: Mon-Fri | 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 785-842-0543