Health briefs: Free “Welcome to Medicare” events available to Ohioans

       The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP), the state’s official Medicare educational and counseling program, is holding free in-person and virtual “Welcome to Medicare” events across Ohio from April through June for Ohioans new to Medicare, Ohio Department of Insurance director Judith L. French announced. OSHIIP is a department program.
        “Medicare is complicated, and there are different health insurance approaches, along with health care and budgetary considerations for Ohioans new to Medicare to evaluate,” French said. “OSHIIP’s Medicare representatives narrow the scope while still thoroughly educating Ohioans about Medicare so they can make informed health insurance decisions best suited for their needs.”
        During the events, OSHIIP representatives provide an overview of Medicare, Part A and B benefits, Part D prescription drug coverage, Medicare supplemental insurance plans, Medicare Advantage plans, eligibility, enrollment, financial assistance, and important deadlines. One-on-one follow-up counseling sessions can be scheduled.
        Last year, OSHIIP through its different engagement services counseled and educated nearly 600,000 people and saved Ohioans on Medicare $46 million by helping them identify suitable coverage options and financial assistance.
        To access the in-person and virtual Welcome to Medicare events schedules, visit insurance.ohio.gov/consumers/medicare/welcome-to-medicare-events. OSHIIP representatives are also available at 800-686-1578 and oshiipmail@insurance.ohio.gov to answer Medicare questions.      
        For Medicare information and tips, answers to frequently asked questions, and insight into how to avoid Medicare scams visit insurance.ohio.gov and medicare.gov.
 
Mercy offering mobile mammograms
        Mercy Health’s mobile mammogram unit has visits scheduled throughout the region in April.
        The mobile mammography unit delivers mammograms to women age 40 and older. It is equipped with 3D technology and offers patients the option of self-compression, meaning the patient will have the ability to control the compression once she is in position.
        Among the April stops are:           
        • Monday, April 10: Mercy Health - Starbright Primary Care, 28555 Starbright Boulevard, Perrysburg.
        • Tuesday, April 11: Halim Clinic/Spring Valley OBGYN & Midwives, 6855 Spring Valley Dr., Holland.
        • Wednesday, April 12: Old West End Community Health Center, 2244 Collingwood Boulevard, Toledo.
        • Friday, April 14: Mercy Health - Jefferson Family Medicine, 2200 Jefferson Ave., Toledo.
        • Monday, April 17: Mercy Health – Perrysburg Primary Care & Walk-in, 1103 Village Square, Perrysburg.
        • Wednesday, April 19: Mercy Health - Franklin Medical Center, 2213 Franklin Ave., Toledo.
        • Friday, April 21: Mercy Health - Waterville Primary Care, 1222 Pray Boulevard.
        • Monday, April 24: Progressive Wellness Medical Office Building, 7640 West Sylvania Ave., Sylvania.
        • Wednesday, April 26: Mercy Health - Starbright Primary Care, 28555 Starbright Boulevard, Perrysburg.
        While mammogram screenings may be covered by insurance, for best coverage, patients should verify if Mercy Health – St. Charles Hospital is an in-network provider with their insurance carrier. Financial need-based assistance programs are available for those who are uninsured or underinsured.
        Call 419-696-5839 for more information.
        Screenings at the Mercy Health Mobile Mammography unit are by appointment only. Call 833-MAMM-VAN to schedule a screening.
        To view a full list of dates and locations, visit mercy.com/toledomobilemamm.
        Certified radiologists read all mammograms, which are also double-checked with a computer-aided detection system.
 
Riverview welcomes Freeman as administrator      
        On March 27, Ottawa County Riverview Healthcare Campus welcomed the facility’s new Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, Michael Freeman. He succeeds Kendra German, LNHA.
        Freeman brings over 20 years of experience in leadership roles at several facilities in Ohio, including Lutheran Home in Toledo, Mercy Siena Retirement Community, Friendship Village of Dayton, Edgewood Manor of Greenfield, St. Clare Commons of Perrysburg and the Ohio Veterans Home. He also served as president of Cornerstone Professional Services in Elmore and served on the board of directors for the Association for Ohio Philanthropic Homes and Services for the Aging for six years.
        Freeman has a degree in business administration from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree from Wright State University.
        He brings a familiarity with the Riverview campus, as his sister, Lisa Barrett, recently retired after 40 years serving as activity director. During her tenure, Freeman volunteered with Riverview’s activity program and was a longtime volunteer in the annual Oak Harbor Apple Fest Parade with the campus’ parade float.
        Freeman and his wife, Susan, a home health nurse, reside in Elmore.
        German, who served as Riverview administrator for 17 years, said, “The friendship, business partnerships, experiences and memories will stay with me my entire life. I thank the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners, past and present, for their continued support of Riverview and me.
        “I am grateful to be allowed to bring this facility into its next chapter with Michael taking over as administrator and can’t wait to see where he leads this amazing campus,” she said.
 
Hospice offering help with advance directives
        In recognition of National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16, Hospice of Northwest Ohio reminds the community of a program that provides free, guided conversations by trained facilitators in the completion of advance healthcare directives.
        Through a series of questions, these conversations will consider cultural, spiritual and religious beliefs in completing written advance directives, including living wills, and selecting a health care power of attorney.
        Healthcare decision conversations can be held in-person, via phone or video chat. Call 419-931-5423 or email acp@sinceracare.org to make an appointment with a certified facilitator.
        April 16 has been designated as National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) since 2008. NHDD is a day set aside to encourage everyone, whether sick or healthy or coping with a serious illness, to think about, discuss and document healthcare wishes. These conversations take about an hour and can be repeated as often as necessary as situations, goals or values change.
        Learn more about advance directives at hospicenwo.org.
 
Matter of Balance
        The Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc. (WCCOA) will offer a “Matter of Balance” course at the Wood County Senior Center, 140 S. Grove St., Bowling Green, Tuesdays April 11 to May 16 from 1-3 p.m.
        The eight-week evidence-based course costs $20 and includes a manual for training purposes and a certificate upon completion.
        During this class, participants will learn to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risk at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance.
        To register or obtain more information, call the WCCOA Programs Department at 419-353-5661 or 1-800-367-4935, or email programs@wccoa.net.
        For details on WCCOA’s other programs and services, visit wccoa.net.
 
Magruder lab screening
        Magruder Hospital’s next monthly community lab screening will be held Thursday, April 13 between 8 and 11:30 a.m. at the hospital’s Community Clinic 730 Jefferson St., Port Clinton.
        The main lab test includes a CBC, CMP and lipid profile, which includes liver and kidney function, fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, HDL/LDL, triglycerides and a complete blood count (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood) for $50.
        Add-on screenings are available and include:
        • Lipid profile, $20.
        • Hemoglobin A1C, $20.
        • PSA (prostate specific antigen), $30.
        • TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), $25.
        • Vitamin D, $35.
        This lab screening is held on the second Thursday each month. Appointments are required and may be made by calling 419-301-4304. Participants are asked to fast for 12 hours prior to their appointment time but can have water.  No insurance is accepted. – payment may be made by cash, check or credit card (no American Express).