Where can I find additional health insurance information for seniors?

Information that you can understand if you do not have two PhDs in health economics (one isn’t sufficient, we’ve been told by those with only one)? Not possible. But you can find additional health insurance information for seniors from sources including the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). The AARP contracts with insurers to make coverage available to its members. AARP Health is a collection of health-related products, services and insurance programs such as Medicare prescription drug coverage.

If you belong to a membership organization, check to see if they offer group health insurance. Many trade and professional associations provide group health coverage that would be much cheaper than private insurance.

You can also contact your state insurance department or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (www.naic.org) for a list of licensed insurance carriers. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, try www.healthinsuranceinfo.net (good luck there -- heck, it may be just as bad with a coach) or www.healthcarecoach.com for educational and health plan options.

If you have questions about what options are available to you, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or online at www.socialsecurity.gov. You can also contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for information about Medicare coverage and costs, health plan options and claims information.