March 30, 2026
McIntosh Memorial Library of Viroqua is pleased to partner with the Vernon County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) to provide a Medicare Education Series. The comprehensive four‑part Medicare Education Series will be presented by Katie Skolos, Elder Benefit Specialist and SHIP‑Certified Counselor (Advanced Level) with the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Vernon County. This series is designed to help older adults, caregivers, and community members better understand Medicare enrollment, coverage options, deadlines, and how to make informed healthcare decisions.
All sessions are free, open to the public, and held at McIntosh Memorial Library in Viroqua in the conference room.
SERIES SCHEDULE & DESCRIPTIONS
Medicare Mysteries Explained
Date: Tuesday, May 12th, 2026 – 10-11am
Medicare Mysteries Explained – In this class participants will learn details about all parts of Medicare A, B, C & D. When you need to sign up or if you should delay enrollment. The costs associated with Medicare premiums, co-pays, co-insurance & deductibles will be shared plus information about
GAPS to original Medicare & explaining why it isn’t a good idea to have just original Medicare. Lastly, Skolos will discuss the difference in Medigap Insurance & Medicare Advantage and briefly touch on Senior Care, Medicaid & Medicare Savings programs.
Enrollment Periods, Deadlines & Late Enrollment Penalties
Date: Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 – 10-11am
Enrollment Periods – Deadlines & Late Enrollment Penalties – Information about the five different
enrollment periods of Medicare & the penalties involved if you don’t follow them will be shared. The class will also provide examples of the Late Enrollment Penalties for Part B & D and how this will remain in effect for the duration of your lifetime.
Medicare Insurance in Vernon County
Date: Tuesday, July 14th, 2026 – 10-11am
Medicare Insurance in Vernon County – This class will cover the plans currently available in Vernon County for 2026.
Annual Notice of Change & Using Medicare Planfinder
Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2026 – 10-11am
Using Medicare Planfinder – This is the class that comes right before the Annual Election Period that runs October 15th – December 7th every year. Examples of the Annual Notice of Change that Insurance companies mail out prior to 9/30 annually will be shared. In addition, Skolos will provide live examples in the Medicare Planfinder showing how to determine if a plan will work for them & how to read the information that the website is providing.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
• Adults approaching Medicare eligibility
• Current Medicare beneficiaries
• Caregivers assisting family members with Medicare decisions
• Anyone wanting unbiased, expert Medicare guidance
WHY THIS SERIES MATTERS
Medicare is complex, and misinformation can lead to costly coverage gaps or lifelong penalties. This series ensures Vernon County residents have clear, accurate, and local guidance from a certified expert. The series is free, no registration required. For more information visit www.mcintoshmemoriallibrary.org or call the library at 608-637-7151 x 6.
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