If you’re 50 years old or older and you haven’t heard of PrimeWise ““ St. Elizabeth Healthcare’s free (yes, free) membership program for older adults ““ it’s time you got acquainted.
Since 1988, PrimeWise has existed as a health and wellness service to the older adult population in Northern Kentucky. Its current enrollment is more than 35,000 people.
With a goal of assisting older adults in accessing the healthcare system, making informed healthcare decisions and retaining their independence, PrimeWise links adults who are 50 and older ““ as well as disabled adults who are less than 50 but qualify for Medicare ““ with health and wellness resources and information.
“It’s not a club, there are no dues, there are no requirements to attend,” said PrimeWise director Jenelen Dulemba. “All you need to do is say, ‘Yes, put me on that mailing list.’”
Once you do subscribe to PrimeWise, you immediately have access to a wide range of benefits, all of which are free to members and their caregivers, as well as to physician office staff. These include:
- A claims specialist who is available by appointment to assist members with questions about Medicare, supplemental insurance, private medical insurance, and doctor or hospital bills
- Quarterly Medicare workshops
- Multiple education programs and screenings offered monthly
- A caregiver support group offered monthly
- Ongoing flexibility exercise classes
- A walking club
- A discount directory that provides member discounts throughout the community
- Notary services
- Tour and travel opportunities
- Newsletters with information on programs and screenings
Members also have access to a knowledgeable and caring staff available to assist with concerns and provide referrals to services both at St. Elizabeth and in the community, as well as to local doctors and experts who volunteer their time to present many of PrimeWise’s educational programs throughout the year.
If you sign up for PrimeWise and don’t need any of the services yet, that’s OK, too. They’ll be there when ““ and if ““ you need them.
“You may say, ‘None of this applies to me right now,’” Dulemba said, “but then, in two years, if you’re thinking, ‘Oh, I’m starting to have that kind of pain ““ this program looks great,’ you can become involved at that point. We’re there when you need us.”
For more information on PrimeWise or for an application, call (859) 301-5999 or e-mail primewise@stelizabeth.com.
