Six Key Tips for Caregivers Navigating the System on Behalf of Their Parents, Grandparents and Others

/PRNewswire/ -- According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, more than 65 million people in the United States serve as informal caregivers, typically for family members, which equates to more than one out of every four people serving as unpaid caregivers.

A caregiver is someone who provides assistance to another person who is ill, disabled or needs help with daily activities. It's a role that can be physically and emotionally draining. The health care system doesn't make it any easier. Fortunately, there are a few tips caregivers can follow to better manage their loved one's health care, particularly when it comes to people with Medicare, according to Krista Bowers, senior vice president of senior products at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia's parent company.

"At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGA), we hear regularly from caregivers who are learning how to navigate the system on behalf of their parents, grandparents and others," said Monye Connolly, President, BCBSGA. "There are some themes that are common among them."

Gathering Information

The first step in helping to manage care for a loved one is gathering as much information as possible about their health and health benefits. Some items caregivers might want to gather include the following:

-- Medicare card (if eligible)
-- Health plan membership card
-- A list of doctors, including specialists
-- A list of medicines and dosages
-- Information about the person's medical conditions both treated and
untreated.


This is basically creating a "personal health record." A loved one might be reluctant to share this information at first. Experts recommend that caregivers remain patient. They can explain that the information is needed to advocate on their behalf with their doctors, hospitals and insurance companies.

Getting Permission

Most people have heard of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA is an important law for protecting patient privacy. However, it can be an obstacle for caregivers.

"People are sometimes surprised to learn that companies like Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia cannot readily disclose a person's health information, even to their own spouse or child," said Connolly. "That's why it's so critical for caregivers to file the proper paperwork with their loved one's health benefits provider."

Caregivers can access a loved one's health information in a number of ways. One way is with a "durable power of attorney," which can be established with the assistance of an attorney. Another way is with an "Authorization to Disclose Personal Health Information," which is available from a health benefits company. With the disclosure form, the member can authorize someone else to see their health care information, while specifying just how much information that person can see. Beneficiaries also can designate someone to participate on their behalf in Medicare appeals and grievances by filling out an "Appointment of Representative" form.

These forms are returned to the health benefits company where they are kept on file. When they are on file, designees can serve as the member's representative on health benefits, including determinations, exceptions, and appeals and grievances. Anybody can serve as a designee, including a family member or friend. However, the member can revoke these designations, in writing, whenever they see fit.

Enrolling in a Chronic Disease Program

Some Medicare beneficiaries suffer from chronic diseases, such as cancer, stroke, multiple sclerosis, dementia, diabetes, end stage renal disease or Alzheimer's disease. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, eight out of 10 Americans age 65 or older are living with some chronic illness. Those enrolled in a Medicare plan may have access to free programs to help them manage their diseases. Many times, these programs are administered by nurses or other licensed personnel. The goal is to help prevent acute episodes through better disease management. Many plans even follow-up with members after their hospitalization.

"These programs are above and beyond those offered by Original Medicare," Bowers explained. "It's important for caregivers to know about them and encourage their loved ones to participate. They may want to get a copy of a member's explanation of coverage from their insurer to find out what's available."

Knowing Your Rights

Once the disclosure/authorization paperwork has been filed, caregivers can speak to a customer care agent on a beneficiary's behalf as well as access the beneficiary's information online, including claims history, provider network and drug formularies.

If a beneficiary ever disagrees with any Medicare decision, including a denial, they have the right to appeal it. For more information about appeals, visit http://www.medicare.gov/ to get a free copy of "Your Rights and Protections."

Investigating 'Extra Help'

As a caregiver, it's also important to know about "extra help" that is available to low-income people with a Medicare prescription drug plan through the Social Security office. This "extra help" includes assistance with monthly prescription drug premiums, annual deductibles and prescription copayments. For information about eligibility for this program, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp.

Even if your loved one doesn't qualify for extra help from Social Security, there are a myriad of other resources that might be available to them at the state and community levels. The Web site www.benefitscheckuprx.org has compiled information about these resources in one convenient online location. The site, which counts Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia among its sponsors, tracks more than 1,550 benefit programs throughout all 50 states and the District of Columbia. It has identified more than $7.6 billion in benefits for those in need since being launched in 2001.

Caring for Yourself

The final tip for caregivers, and perhaps the most important, is for them to take care of themselves, including getting enough sleep, going for a walk, taking an occasional day off and maintaining a sense of humor. After all, caregivers can't possibly take care of anyone else until they first take care of themselves.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, research shows that caregivers face an increased risk of developing depression. It's natural to grieve about a loved one's disease. However, if sadness persists to the extent that it prevents decision making, interrupts daily living, and discourages participation in normal activities, then it may be time to get some help. Primary care physicians may offer help, including referrals to other resources. Caregivers with access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) can find them useful.

"Caregivers need to know that there's no shame in asking for help," said Connolly.

For more information about care giving and Medicare, including helpful forms, please visit www.medicare.gov/caregivers.

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Momentum Building on Sebelius' Challenge to Insurers to Ban Rescission Before Law Takes Effect in September

More insurers are heeding Secretary Sebelius' call to voluntarily implement key provisions of the Affordable Care Act before the law requires them to do so.

Today, UnitedHealthcare announced they will join with other insurers and stop using rescissions - the practice of dropping patients' health coverage. This announcement follows a letter that Secretary Sebelius sent to the nation's largest insurer, WellPoint, after seeing reports that they were targeting women with breast cancer with the goal of canceling their coverage. WellPoint announced yesterday they would stop the practice, and Secretary Sebelius urged other insurers to do the same.

"The days when insurers can drop coverage when patients get sick are coming to an end but insurers don't need to wait to do the right thing," said Secretary Sebelius. "Americans need to be secure in knowing that their health coverage will be there when they need it most. That is why we are working hard to get the benefits of the Affordable Care Act to families everywhere as quickly as possible."

The Affordable Care Act will ban rescissions, except in cases of intentional misrepresentation of fact or fraud, beginning September 23, but Secretary Sebelius continues to urge insurers not to wait until the fall to do the right thing.

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HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on WellPoint's Decision to Ban Rescissions in Advance of the Affordable Care Act's Requirement

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius released the following statement today on WellPoint's announcement that it intends to end the practice of rescinding patients' coverage in advance of the Affordable Care Act's requirement that insurers stop this practice starting this fall. WellPoint's announcement comes after Secretary Sebelius sent a letter on April 22 urging the company to immediately stop the practice of rescinding coverage for patients who become ill.

The Affordable Care Act will specifically prohibit insurance companies from rescinding policies, except in cases of fraud or intentional misrepresentation of material fact.


STATEMENT OF SECRETARY SEBELIUS

"Last week, when I heard reports of one insurer - WellPoint - targeting breast cancer victims for rescission of their policies, I challenged the company and the rest of the insurance industry to do what they have done with other key insurance reforms in the bill and not wait until September to do the right thing.

The last thing someone who is really sick needs to hear is that they are being dropped by their insurer because they got sick and tried to use the policy they purchased.

I was encouraged to learn today that WellPoint has announced it will act to stop rescissions and no longer engage in this practice as of the end of this week. I urge other insurers to also accelerate the Affordable Care Act's deadline for ending this practice and stop rescinding patients' policies immediately."

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Contact GEICO for storm claims at 1-800-841-3000 or geico.com

(BUSINESS WIRE)--GEICO urges policyholders whose vehicles have been damaged in the recent Atlanta area flooding to report their claims as early as possible. To reach GEICO’s claims team at anytime, 24 hours a day, call 1-800-841-3000 or report the claim on www.geico.com.

“Our adjusters have been in Atlanta and the local areas all week assisting policyholders with damaged or flooded vehicles,” said Gary Musolf, head of GEICO claims in the region. “If you notice damage to your vehicle, contact GEICO right away so we can make arrangements to take care of your claim and get you back on the road.”

GEICO advises residents to heed all weather warnings and road closures. However, if driving is necessary, GEICO recommends these rain and flood driving tips to keep you safe:

* Heavy rain can make it difficult for other drivers to see you. Keep your headlights on and drive slowly, keeping your eyes out for on-coming traffic.
* If you see a large puddle or standing water, go around it or choose a different route. That puddle could be hiding a deep hole.
* Give yourself plenty of time to brake and do so gently in order to avoid hydroplaning.

“The safety of our policyholders and the quick and quality repair of their vehicles is our first priority during stressful times like these,” said Musolf.

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) – as part of Berkshire Hathaway – is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States*. GEICO provides auto insurance coverage for 9 million policyholders and insures more than 16 million vehicles.

In addition to auto insurance, GEICO offers customers insurance products for their motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats, homes, apartments and mobile homes. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection and life insurance are also available.

As a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies, GEICO is rated A++ for financial strength by A.M. Best Company and ranks at the top of several national customer satisfaction surveys. For more information, go to http://www.geico.com.

*A.M. Best 2008 market share data

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