The Evanston Chamber of Commerce held its Lunch and Learn event for December, which featured Jared Briggs with Blue Clover Insurance as the guest speaker. The event was held at the Legal Tender restaurant in Evanston on Thursday, Dec. 9.

Chamber Director Tammy Staley asked everyone to introduce themselves, and Sarah Hale, a field representative for U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., was among the dozen attending the lunch. Staley then introduced Briggs.

Briggs focused on providing information on Medicare and his job of helping people navigate and understand health insurance. Briggs provided those attending with a booklet titled, “Are You Medicare Ready?” and referred to it throughout his presentation.

“When we get Medicare A and B, we have paid for it our entire lives through taxes. Everyone gets it,” Briggs said. “You have to ask for Part D, which covers prescription drugs.”

Briggs explained that Part A of Medicare covers inpatient hospitalizations, home health care, skilled nursing, and hospice care and is typically premium-free. Part B is the medical part that covers office visits, surgeon fees, ambulance and air ambulance services, emergency and urgent care, radiology and labwork; and it does have a premium. In 2022, Briggs said, the annual premium will be $170; however, it may be more depending on income.

“When I sit down with someone, I go over all the options for coverage, such as supplemental policies, the Part D prescription plan with Medicare and the Medicare Advantage plan,” Briggs said. “I am always surprised at how little people know and understand about Medicare and health insurance.”

Some of the frequently asked questions Briggs covers include:

• How does one sign up for Medicare?

• When should a person start Part B?

• Should a veteran get Part B?

• Should a person drop their health coverage at work when they start Medicare?

• How does one on a limited income get coverage?

Briggs is an independent agent who doesn’t work for Medicare, the government or the state, but is licensed with many private insurance companies. He’s paid by insurance companies, so visits are no cost to community members. He can be reached at 435-557-3170 or the website www.bluecloverins.com.

Staley thanked Briggs for coming and then announced upcoming events for the Chamber. On Feb. 12, 2022, the Chamber will sponsor a Winter Luau Gala to be held at the Machine Shop; in March, the Legislative Breakfast will be held; and in April, the popular shred event.

The next chamber Lunch and Learn will be held at noon on Jan. 13, 2022, at the Legal Tender with a presentation by Bethany Shidler, program coordinator with Disability:IN Uinta County.