November 2012
Medicare offers comprehensive health insurance coverage to people 65 and older, but the choices beneficiaries face can be confusing. Your basic choice is whether to stay with original Medicare or go to a private Medicare Advantage plan. It’s important to research your options carefully to ensure you receive the full benefits of your plan and care from the doctor and hospital of your choice. Sarasota Memorial Hospital and its network of physicians and outpatient services are NOT in network with most Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO or POS plans – which means your service may not be covered or it may cost more out-of-pocket than original Medicare (with or without a supplemental plan) – except in emergency situations. Sarasota Memorial ACCEPTS all original Medicare plans and most PFFS (private fee-for-service) plans. It also ACCEPTS Aetna’s Medicare Advantage Plan. For more information about insurance plans accepted by Sarasota Memorial, please visit our website or call our Customer Service Center at (941) 917-1540.
Medicare Enrollment Help
Florida's SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) volunteers are available to provide Medicare beneficiaries a place to ask questions, compare plans and research the best health and prescription coverage to meet their needs. The specially trained volunteers provide free counseling every Friday, noon-4 pm, at Sarasota Memorial’s Institute for Advanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd., Sarasota. In addition, on Nov. 28, SHINE volunteers also will be onsite 10 am-3 pm to address questions about changes in Prescription Drug and Medicare Advantage Plans. For information, call (239) 470-5364.
Community Caregiving Forum
FREE education program for caregivers and professionals (CEUs available), Friday, Nov. 2, 10 am-2:30 pm in Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s first floor auditorium, 1700 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Complimentary lunch provided for all pre-registered attendees. RSVP: (941) 917-1779.
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DNA Mapping for Parkinson Patients
Anyone diagnosed with Parkinson Disease is invited to participate in a national DNA collection and mapping program hosted locally by the Neuro Challenge Foundation. Neuro Challenge will collect DNA saliva samples and help participants register for the free 23andMe Personal Genome Service®, which includes a report on genetic factors associated with Parkinson’s, as well as regular updates about new genetic discoveries and how those discoveries apply to them. The event takes place at Sarasota Memorial's Institute for Advanced Medicine, Education Rooms A & B, Nov. 15, at 8:30 am, 10 am and 11:30 am. Call the Neuro Challenge Foundation at (941) 926-6413 to register and reserve a time.
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Solutions for Resolutions
HealthFit, powered by Sarasota Memorial, makes it easy to kick start your New Year’s resolutions this year with an array of exciting free classes and seminars – 19 energizing solutions that inspire and motivate! Find HealthFit’s complete schedule of free Solutions for Resolutions on smhfit.com and register, starting Dec. 1, by calling (941) 917-7000.
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Breastfeeding Support Group – North Port
Free weekly support group facilitated by a Certified Lactation Consultant who supports nursing mothers through any breastfeeding challenges, every Tuesday, 10-11:30 am, in the conference room at Sarasota Memorial’s North Port ER and Health Care Center, 2345 Bobcat Village Center Road. Call (941) 917-1700 for information about this group or other classes and programs held throughout the community each month.
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Coping with Anxiety or Depression?
If you or someone you care about is struggling with depression, anxiety or substance abuse, Sarasota Memorial’s licensed mental health professionals are available to provide free mental health assessments, referrals and advice.
Call our Bayside Center at (941) 917-7760.
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MindSet for Early Stage Memory Loss
A series of six free classes to help individuals and care partners manage early stage memory loss. Classes offer skills to help exercise the brain, create healthy habits and improve communication.
Information: Call Marcy Stern, Memory Disorder Clinic, at (941) 917-7437.
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