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Students learn to help others chose Medicare drug plans

By Wes Clement OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF
Tuesday, November 3, 2009 10:40 AM CST

A group of White Hall High School students were taught Monday how to guide others through the process of selecting a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

Pat Holthoff, volunteer program coordinator for the Senior Health Division of Arkansas Insurance Department, helped 24 EAST (Environmental and Spatial Technology) Lab students learn the process to help senior citizens.

“They’re going to do two things when they come,” Holthoff said, referring to the Dec. 3 Senior Heath Insurance Information Program, in which Holthoff will participate.

“First, they’re going to check me out to make sure I’m not trying to sell anything, and the second thing they’re going to do is check you out and they’re probably going to have the attitude, ‘These kids couldn’t possibly know anything about Medicare.’ When you sit down with them and you start showing them these things on your computer, their attitudes will start to change and you’re going to see a light come on in their eyes. They will be so grateful to you,” Holthoff said.

Anyone on Medicare may attend the free event 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 3. The location has not been decided. The Medicare enrollment period is Nov.16-Dec. 31.

Student Taylor Wright initiated the participation of WHHS, one of 21 Arkansas schools participating in the program this year.

Holthoff took the students through the process on www.medicare.gov as they followed along on classroom computers. She encouraged them to practice with their grandparents and their medication lists before Dec. 3.

The students will not actually enroll others in programs, but will give them printed information on the few plans determined to be the best fits. The Medicare user can then take the information home and make a simpler choice among the few options based largely on the best cost and coverage.

Those who would like to enroll in Medicare at the event may do so with the help of an Arkansas Insurance Department employee.

“I think it will be very helpful,” student Kelly Marks said. “It’s not just about teaching them, it’s teaching me too.”

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