INSURANCE EDUCATION WORKSHOP SLATED FOR KEYSTONE STEEL RETIREES

Springfield, IL - Illinois Director of Insurance Nat Shapo today announced that representatives from the Department of Insurance Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) will host a Medicare workshop on June 7, 2001, for the nearly 1,050 retirees of Keystone Steel and Wire in Peoria who are losing their Medicare supplement insurance coverage. The public forum will begin at 10:00 a.m. at American Legion Post 979, 4501 South Airport Road, in Bartonville.

"It is important that the Keystone retirees obtain accurate information about the rights and guarantees available to individuals whose Medicare Supplement plans are terminated," Shapo said. "Our SHIP education specialists will explain the protections offered by Illinois and Medicare law, answer questions, and provide materials to help people understand their options."

The public presentation, including a question and answer session, is expected to adjourn at noon. However, SHIP counselors will be available after that to provide personalized help as needed.

SHIP is a statewide program that provides free insurance counseling both by Department of Insurance staff and trained volunteers on senior health insurance issues such as Medicare, Medicare supplement insurance and long term care insurance. Persons unable to attend the forum can contact a SHIP counselor by calling toll-free 800-548-9034.