Ruth’s House to Offer Virtual Lunch and Learn on Oct. 7

LONGMEADOW — Ruth’s House, an assisted-living residence at JGS Lifecare, is continuing its virtual monthly Lunch and Learn series with a program on Wednesday, Oct. 7 with Dr. Neil Epstein, SHINE counselor, who will offer a general overview of Medicare benefits followed by a question-and-answer session with attendees.

This discussion comes at an ideal time, as Medicare Open Enrollment runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. For those confused by their Medicare benefits, unsure of the options, or dissatisfied with your Medicare plan, Epstein will help make sense of this complex program and attempt to answer their questions and concerns.

SHINE is a Massachusetts health-insurance counseling program that provides free and unbiased health information, counseling, and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries of all ages and their caregivers. The SHINE program is supported by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs in partnership with elder service agencies, social-services agencies, and councils on aging.

As a SHINE Counselor, Epstein is a community volunteer who is trained extensively and certified by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs in many areas of health benefits, including Medicare Part A and Part B covered services, prescription-drug options, supplemental insurance plans, Medicaid, and free or reduced-cost healthcare and prescription-drug programs.

The event will begin with a welcome at noon and the presentation from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., followed by the Q & A session, a raffle, and a virtual tour. RSVP with Christina Tuohey at (413) 567-3949, ext. 3105, or ctuohey@jgslifecare.org. A confirmation and Zoom invite will be e-mailed prior to the meeting.