COLUMBIA — The Central Midlands Council of Governments Aging and Disability Resource Center with the Lieutenant Governor’s Office on Aging will conduct the free basic course for the Insurance Counseling Assistant and Referral for Elders program (I-CARE).

The course will be offered on consecutive Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 26 until April 2 at Central Midlands Council of Governments. The office is located at 236 Stoneridge Drive in Columbia.

Sessions are open to the public and are free. Attendees will gain a greater understanding of Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security benefits as well as how to protect against fraud. Case managers, current Medicare beneficiaries and individuals who will become eligible for Medicare are encouraged to attend.

Participants can choose which session to attend. However, individuals who provide information and referral services to Medicare beneficiaries will have the option to complete the requirements for certification as I-CARE counselors. There will be a one-hour break between the morning and afternoon sessions. You must provide your own lunch.

Feb. 26: Medicare Part B and Durable Medical Equipment Carriers (DMERC)

March 5: Medicare Part D and Medicare Part A

March 12: Medicaid and Social Security Eligibility 101

March 19: Medicare supplements

March 26: Medicaid Fraud and Medicare Fraud

April 2: Medicare Advantage counseling, final exam

Contact Shelia Bell-Ford at 803-376-5390 for more information or to reserve a spot.