BETHALTO — Riverbend residents weighing Medicare coverage options can learn about enrollment, costs, and penalties at a free seminar Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, at the Bethalto Senior Citizens Center.
The one-hour educational program will be offered at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 29. Featured speaker Reid Mortensen, an independent insurance broker with Genesis Wealth Management Group, LLC, brings 19 years of experience helping Riverbend-area residents understand Medicare and their coverage options, according to event coordinator Bill Kinkel.
The seminar will address when and how to enroll; what Medicare Parts A, B, C and D cover; and the differences among Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare supplements and Part D coverage. Other topics include late-enrollment penalties, how income can affect Medicare costs, enrollment periods and changing coverage.
Kinkel said the event will focus solely on Medicare, not investments. He said he helped organize it because people often make health coverage decisions separately from other financial considerations and may not recognize how those choices could affect their finances in later years.
Mortensen said his presentation will provide an overview of Medicare, including what people entering the program can expect to gain, what they will pay and what Medicare does not cover.
“One size does not fit all,” Mortensen said.
He said choosing coverage requires considering individual circumstances, including doctor networks, travel plans and chronic health conditions. He also emphasized the value of working with an adviser who understands the available options and can provide ongoing guidance.
“When I do these types of meetings it is a 30,000-foot view of the Medicare program covers some basics of Medicare for those attendees just coming into Medicare and what they will gain and what the cost will be and what will be considered out-of-pocket cost,” he said. “I will stress the value of looking at each person’s individual situation and that there are a lot of good options out there for everyone who takes the time to look at it.”
Kinkel said Mortensen will remain after the presentation to answer questions, including those from people approaching age 65 and those with concerns about changes taking place in 2027.
Admission is free, and the event notice asks attendees to reserve a seat.
The seminar is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
