ST. LOUIS — For six years, the OASIS Institute has helped local residents seeking to understand Medicare. That help has come through a partnership with CLAIM, the official state health insurance assistance program. CLAIM leads a network of volunteers and organizations dedicated to providing help with Medicare issues.

Today, OASIS Institute and CLAIM have announced the extension of that service for an additional three years. OASIS Institute will continue to provide a home for in-person meetings and access to equipment, such as a computer and telephone. Trained volunteers will continue working out of St. Louis to provide free assistance to Medicare beneficiaries.

CLAIM leads a network of volunteers and organizations in Missouri dedicated to providing help with Medicare issues. CLAIM provides free and confidential Medicare assistance through a network of more than 280 certified volunteers. At OASIS Institute these volunteers include Pat Baehler, Leola Hawkins, Darlene Hollis, Richard Priest, Leroy Sachs, Kathleen Stice, Maryjo Thornburgh and Karen Weiss. These volunteers answer questions about Medicare benefits, options and changes.

“As the Medicare program becomes increasingly complex, the need for these services grows. Without organizations like OASIS Institute, our program would not be possible,” said Carol Beahan, director of CLAIM.

CLAIM was founded in 1993 and has helped Missourians save millions in out-of-pocket expenses by helping beneficiaries understand their Medicare benefits and by providing enrollment assistance.

The nonprofit program receives financial assistance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal Medicare agency, and the Missouri Department of Insurance. Services are provided by Primaris, a Columbia-based health care consulting firm.

For free, unbiased Medicare assistance or to apply to become a volunteer, visit www.missouriclaim.org or call (800) 390-3330.