The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is encouraging all Medicare beneficiaries to take advantage of the annual Open Enrollment period to make sure they have the best coverage available to meet their health care needs in 2011.
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period this year begins on November 15th and runs through December 31st. During the Open Enrollment period, current or newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries, including people with Original Medicare, can review current health and prescription drug coverage, compare health and drug plan options available in their area, and choose coverage that best meet their needs.
"The Affordable Care Act will make Medicare stronger and more sustainable. There will be new benefits available to nearly every person with Medicare starting in January 2011, including free annual wellness visits and free recommended preventive services like mammograms and colonoscopies. Seniors who fall into the donut hole in 2011 will be eligible for a 50 percent discount on brand-name prescription drugs. These new benefits make this year's Medicare Open Enrollment Period especially important," said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "Every year, the Medicare Open Enrollment Period gives Medicare beneficiaries a chance to evaluate their current plans and see what other options might be out there that serve their needs, especially if their health status has changed. Those enrolled in Medicare can think of the Open Enrollment Period as a yearly coverage "check-up." It is important for people with Medicare to look closely at their plan, look at the options available to them, consider their health status, and find what works for them."
"There's never been a better time for Medicare beneficiaries to check out their Medicare coverage," said CMS Administrator Donald Berwick, M.D. "With better plan choices available for 2011, Medicare beneficiaries can think of Open Enrollment as their yearly coverage 'check-up'."
"During Open Enrollment, AoA's national network of community-based organizations will work with seniors, individuals with disabilities and their caregivers across the country to help them understand the new benefits available under the Affordable Care
Act," said Kathy Greenlee, Assistant Secretary for Aging. "In addition, we urge seniors to protect themselves from potential fraud and identity theft. We know there are people who use this time to scam seniors and rip off Medicare. Seniors should protect their Medicare number the same way they do their Social Security number or credit cards."
Resources for Medicare Beneficiaries
People with Medicare, their families and other trusted representatives can review and compare current plan coverage with new plan offerings, using many proven resources, including:
. Visiting www.medicare.gov, where they can get a personalized comparison of costs and coverage of the plans available in their area. The popular Medicare Plan Finder and Medicare Options Compare tools have been enhanced for an efficient review of plan choices. Multilingual Open Enrollment information and counseling is available.
. Calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for around-the-clock assistance to find out more about coverage options. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
. Reviewing the 2011 Medicare &You handbook. It is also accessible at www.medicare gov and has been mailed to the homes of people with Medicare benefits.
. Getting one-on-one counseling assistance from the local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Local SHIP contact information can be found:
o At http://www.medicare.gov/contacts/organization-search-criteria.aspx or
o On the back of the 2011 Medicare &You handbook or;
o By calling Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY, 1-877-486-2048)
o Through a listing of national stand-alone prescription drug plans and state specific fact sheets can be found at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/center/openenrollment.asp
Medicare beneficiaries who cannot meet the costs of prescription drugs may be eligible for additional resources. Based on eligibility for "extra help," some people Medicare will pay no more than $2.50 for each generic drug and no more than $6.30 for each name brand drug. The program, called Medicare's Limited Income Newly Eligible Transition (NET) Program, can also help pay for premiums and other out-of-pocket costs.
There is no cost to apply for this extra help. Medicare beneficiaries, family members, trusted counselors or caregivers can apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778) to find out more.
Protecting Against Fraud and Identity Theft
The new health care law also provides better tools to help fight waste, fraud and abuse to help protect Medicare. CMS offers tips to help beneficiaries protect themselves against fraud and identity theft during the Open Enrollment period. Medicare recommends thatpeople treat their Medicare number as they do their social security number and credit card information.
Beneficiaries should not give personal information to anyone arriving to their home uninvited or making unsolicited phone calls selling Medicare-related products or services. Beneficiaries who believe they are a victim of fraud or identity theft should contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY, 1-877-486-2048). More information is available at www.stopmedicarefraud.gov.
More information is available at www.healthcare.gov, a new web portal from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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Showing posts with label open. Show all posts
Showing posts with label open. Show all posts
Monday, November 15, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Open Enrollment Goes Virtual: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Launches Virtual Open Enrollment Center, Allowing Companies to More Easily Engage Employees
/PRNewswire/ -- For medium and large organizations, providing employees with complete, comprehensive and consistent information during open enrollment can be challenging. To help businesses reach and engage their employees more easily, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGA) has launched a Virtual Open Enrollment center, an easy to use, easy to understand interactive 3-D environment, which can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/23hkhqg.
"The virtual enrollment center is another way that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia is delivering the best value to our customers and the members we serve," said Morgan Kendrick, President, BCBSGA. "Many businesses tell us they want to improve their systems to more effectively and efficiently communicate important benefit information to their employees. The BCBSGA virtual open enrollment center, designed with input from businesses, was created to meet this need. Ultimately, we believe this will help individuals make the best benefit choices to fit their unique circumstances."
With the virtual enrollment center, employees can access benefits information at their convenience in a single intuitive and interactive location. Upon entering the site, a user will see a 3-D design with their company's logo and a video spokesperson delivering personalized messages. The center has scrolling marquees providing up to date messaging. The user can easily find enrollment information through simple key word searches. In addition, the virtual enrollment center has a content library, housing enrollment materials, documents that can be downloaded, and web links to additional information such as health plan details, provider lists, prescription information and other available health programs.
This is also a valuable resource for human resource departments as they can easily maintain and publish content. The virtual enrollment center gives them the ability to efficiently reach all employees, increase visibility within the organization, track the number of visitors and monitor the usage.
"BCBSGA's virtual open enrollment center has been a great resource for our business and our employees," said Hazel Davis, manager, health and welfare plans for Albemarle Corporation. "We began using this new system last week and already our employee engagement has increased, and the employee feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Our employees are able to access the center at their convenience, helping them to more effectively select the best benefits for themselves and their families. We have been looking for a way to increase employee engagement and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia's virtual open enrollment center has been a perfect solution."
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"The virtual enrollment center is another way that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia is delivering the best value to our customers and the members we serve," said Morgan Kendrick, President, BCBSGA. "Many businesses tell us they want to improve their systems to more effectively and efficiently communicate important benefit information to their employees. The BCBSGA virtual open enrollment center, designed with input from businesses, was created to meet this need. Ultimately, we believe this will help individuals make the best benefit choices to fit their unique circumstances."
With the virtual enrollment center, employees can access benefits information at their convenience in a single intuitive and interactive location. Upon entering the site, a user will see a 3-D design with their company's logo and a video spokesperson delivering personalized messages. The center has scrolling marquees providing up to date messaging. The user can easily find enrollment information through simple key word searches. In addition, the virtual enrollment center has a content library, housing enrollment materials, documents that can be downloaded, and web links to additional information such as health plan details, provider lists, prescription information and other available health programs.
This is also a valuable resource for human resource departments as they can easily maintain and publish content. The virtual enrollment center gives them the ability to efficiently reach all employees, increase visibility within the organization, track the number of visitors and monitor the usage.
"BCBSGA's virtual open enrollment center has been a great resource for our business and our employees," said Hazel Davis, manager, health and welfare plans for Albemarle Corporation. "We began using this new system last week and already our employee engagement has increased, and the employee feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Our employees are able to access the center at their convenience, helping them to more effectively select the best benefits for themselves and their families. We have been looking for a way to increase employee engagement and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia's virtual open enrollment center has been a perfect solution."
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Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Medicare Open Enrollment Starts November 15th
The GeorgiaCares State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is helping Medicare recipients make informed decisions about which prescription drug and Advantage plan options are best for them. Beginning on October 15, consumers can compare available plans by visiting www.Medicare.gov. They may also call GeorgiaCares toll-free at 1-800-669-8387 for personalized assistance.
Open enrollment for Medicare Part C and D begins November 15, and recipients will have until December 31, 2010, to make their choices. With so many options available, choosing the right one is important. This is the first year that there will be one election period for both Part C and D plans. After this time, plan changes can be made during the annual Disenrollment Period of January 1 - February 15th of each year. During the Disenrollment Period, beneficiaries will only be allowed to leave a Medicare Part C plan and return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) with the option of choosing a prescription drug plan.
“The GeorgiaCares SHIP network provides one-on-one assistance, so that callers can get personalized help as they compare their options and decide on which plans best meet their needs,” said Dr. James J. Bulot, director of the DHS Division of Aging Services.
GeorgiaCares SHIP counselors are available through the statewide network of Area Agencies on Aging and will provide community education sessions and answer hotline calls to help beneficiaries understand their options for next year. Beneficiaries can call GeorgiaCares toll-free at 1-800-669-8387 or Medicare at 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227) for assistance.
GeorgiaCares SHIP and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) advise people who wish to make a change to do so as close as possible to the November 15 opening date to ensure their coverage will be available on January 1, 2011. Companies began marketing their plans on October 1.
GeorgiaCares SHIP services are free and also assist Medicare beneficiaries on Medicare, Medicaid and Medigap matters, including long-term care insurance, claims, resolution to billing problems, information and referral on public benefit programs aimed at those with limited incomes and assets, and other health care insurance information.
GeorgiaCares SHIP urges everyone to review their coverage and make sure that any changes to the plan for 2011 will still meet their needs. Beneficiaries who do not want to make a change can remain in their plan from 2010.
Beneficiaries who want to consider all of their options will have access to help from many sources, including a notice of any coverage changes from their drug plan; the enhanced Medicare Drug Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov; the Medicare & You 2011 annual handbook that explains Medicare coverage; 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227), which will be available 24/7; and GeorgiaCares - Local Help for People with Medicare, 1-800-669-8387.
For more information about services available to older Georgians and their families, visit the DHS Division of Aging Services at http://www.aging.dhr.georgia.gov or call (866) 55-AGING (552-4464).
Open enrollment for Medicare Part C and D begins November 15, and recipients will have until December 31, 2010, to make their choices. With so many options available, choosing the right one is important. This is the first year that there will be one election period for both Part C and D plans. After this time, plan changes can be made during the annual Disenrollment Period of January 1 - February 15th of each year. During the Disenrollment Period, beneficiaries will only be allowed to leave a Medicare Part C plan and return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) with the option of choosing a prescription drug plan.
“The GeorgiaCares SHIP network provides one-on-one assistance, so that callers can get personalized help as they compare their options and decide on which plans best meet their needs,” said Dr. James J. Bulot, director of the DHS Division of Aging Services.
GeorgiaCares SHIP counselors are available through the statewide network of Area Agencies on Aging and will provide community education sessions and answer hotline calls to help beneficiaries understand their options for next year. Beneficiaries can call GeorgiaCares toll-free at 1-800-669-8387 or Medicare at 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227) for assistance.
GeorgiaCares SHIP and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) advise people who wish to make a change to do so as close as possible to the November 15 opening date to ensure their coverage will be available on January 1, 2011. Companies began marketing their plans on October 1.
GeorgiaCares SHIP services are free and also assist Medicare beneficiaries on Medicare, Medicaid and Medigap matters, including long-term care insurance, claims, resolution to billing problems, information and referral on public benefit programs aimed at those with limited incomes and assets, and other health care insurance information.
GeorgiaCares SHIP urges everyone to review their coverage and make sure that any changes to the plan for 2011 will still meet their needs. Beneficiaries who do not want to make a change can remain in their plan from 2010.
Beneficiaries who want to consider all of their options will have access to help from many sources, including a notice of any coverage changes from their drug plan; the enhanced Medicare Drug Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov; the Medicare & You 2011 annual handbook that explains Medicare coverage; 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227), which will be available 24/7; and GeorgiaCares - Local Help for People with Medicare, 1-800-669-8387.
For more information about services available to older Georgians and their families, visit the DHS Division of Aging Services at http://www.aging.dhr.georgia.gov or call (866) 55-AGING (552-4464).
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Oxendine: Choose Carefully During Open Enrollment
Insurance Commissioner John W. Oxendine urges consumers who are part of a group health plan to be prepared to make the right choices during health insurance open enrollment.
“It's the time of year when many companies across the country hold open enrollment periods for their group health insurance plans,” Oxendine said. “Consider the options carefully to be sure you and your family are properly covered.”
Open enrollment refers to the period of time during which all members of your group health insurance plan have the opportunity to enroll in certain benefit programs. During this period, insurance carriers are required to accept all applicants of the group without underwriting or evidence of insurability. Open enrollment is generally only held once a year, so if you miss it, you likely will not be able to enroll in your employer-sponsored health insurance program until next year. Certain exceptions apply for new employees or employees with life-changing events.
Make sure to check with your human resources department to see when your company’s open enrollment period begins and ends, and when your policy goes into effect.
There are many different types of major medical plans typically offered by employers. For help understanding the fundamental differences between preferred provider organizations (PPO), health maintenance organizations (HMO), point of service plans (POS) or indemnity plans, visit our website at www.oci.ga.gov/publicInformation/healthInsuranceFAQ.aspx.
Before making a choice:
Check to see if your current physicians and area hospitals are in the plan’s network. Using network providers generally will save money on your health care.
Check to see if spouses or dependents are covered. Some plans will cover spouses and other dependents, while other plans will not.
Read all of the plan materials thoroughly. Doing so will tell you what your rights and responsibilities are under each plan.
Review any pre-existing condition exclusions and prior authorization requirements in the plan materials.
If you take prescription medications, check them against the list of approved drugs in each plan booklet.
If any part of a plan is unclear to you, ask for help from your human resources department or the insurance carrier.
If you are not satisfied with the answers to your questions, contact Oxendine’s Consumer Services Division for help and advice at 1-800-656-2298.
In this uncertain market, it’s important to carefully evaluate your healthcare costs when making your annual enrollment decisions. While one option might have high monthly premiums and a low deductible, and another might have a low premium but more out-of-pocket expenses, it could be misleading which plan is best for you until you do the figures.
To pick the best coverage, first calculate your healthcare costs from recent years and try to estimate what your costs might be for the coming year. Don’t forget to include the cost of doctor’s visits, daily medications and any procedures you might be planning.
Next, make a list of the premiums, out-of-pocket expenses and benefits under each plan. Co-payments, deductibles and additional charges for wellness care or specialists (e.g. chiropractic care, cosmetic surgery, etc.) are examples of out-of-pocket expenses that you are responsible to pay. Remember, if you use a medical provider that is out-of-network, you will generally pay more out-of-pocket expenses. Include these fees in your calculations.
Finally, decide how much you can afford to pay. Other things to keep in mind:
Check for any annual limits and prior authorization requirements.
Some prescription medications have higher co-payments than others and they might vary from plan to plan. Mail-order options might be available for maintenance drugs at a lower cost to you.
If your dependents have health insurance coverage through their employer, school or the Veteran’s Administration, compare their costs and benefits to the family plans you are considering to ensure that you choose the best plan for every member of your family. Make the same type of comparisons for any dental or vision care plans that you are offered.
Once enrolled in a health plan, you will not be able to make changes until the next open enrollment period, unless there is a life changing event such as divorce, a job change, marriage or the birth or adoption of a baby.
If you do not receive insurance cards and/or enrollment information, contact your HR administrator, or call the insurance company.
-----
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“It's the time of year when many companies across the country hold open enrollment periods for their group health insurance plans,” Oxendine said. “Consider the options carefully to be sure you and your family are properly covered.”
Open enrollment refers to the period of time during which all members of your group health insurance plan have the opportunity to enroll in certain benefit programs. During this period, insurance carriers are required to accept all applicants of the group without underwriting or evidence of insurability. Open enrollment is generally only held once a year, so if you miss it, you likely will not be able to enroll in your employer-sponsored health insurance program until next year. Certain exceptions apply for new employees or employees with life-changing events.
Make sure to check with your human resources department to see when your company’s open enrollment period begins and ends, and when your policy goes into effect.
There are many different types of major medical plans typically offered by employers. For help understanding the fundamental differences between preferred provider organizations (PPO), health maintenance organizations (HMO), point of service plans (POS) or indemnity plans, visit our website at www.oci.ga.gov/publicInformation/healthInsuranceFAQ.aspx.
Before making a choice:
Check to see if your current physicians and area hospitals are in the plan’s network. Using network providers generally will save money on your health care.
Check to see if spouses or dependents are covered. Some plans will cover spouses and other dependents, while other plans will not.
Read all of the plan materials thoroughly. Doing so will tell you what your rights and responsibilities are under each plan.
Review any pre-existing condition exclusions and prior authorization requirements in the plan materials.
If you take prescription medications, check them against the list of approved drugs in each plan booklet.
If any part of a plan is unclear to you, ask for help from your human resources department or the insurance carrier.
If you are not satisfied with the answers to your questions, contact Oxendine’s Consumer Services Division for help and advice at 1-800-656-2298.
In this uncertain market, it’s important to carefully evaluate your healthcare costs when making your annual enrollment decisions. While one option might have high monthly premiums and a low deductible, and another might have a low premium but more out-of-pocket expenses, it could be misleading which plan is best for you until you do the figures.
To pick the best coverage, first calculate your healthcare costs from recent years and try to estimate what your costs might be for the coming year. Don’t forget to include the cost of doctor’s visits, daily medications and any procedures you might be planning.
Next, make a list of the premiums, out-of-pocket expenses and benefits under each plan. Co-payments, deductibles and additional charges for wellness care or specialists (e.g. chiropractic care, cosmetic surgery, etc.) are examples of out-of-pocket expenses that you are responsible to pay. Remember, if you use a medical provider that is out-of-network, you will generally pay more out-of-pocket expenses. Include these fees in your calculations.
Finally, decide how much you can afford to pay. Other things to keep in mind:
Check for any annual limits and prior authorization requirements.
Some prescription medications have higher co-payments than others and they might vary from plan to plan. Mail-order options might be available for maintenance drugs at a lower cost to you.
If your dependents have health insurance coverage through their employer, school or the Veteran’s Administration, compare their costs and benefits to the family plans you are considering to ensure that you choose the best plan for every member of your family. Make the same type of comparisons for any dental or vision care plans that you are offered.
Once enrolled in a health plan, you will not be able to make changes until the next open enrollment period, unless there is a life changing event such as divorce, a job change, marriage or the birth or adoption of a baby.
If you do not receive insurance cards and/or enrollment information, contact your HR administrator, or call the insurance company.
-----
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www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP
Friday, December 04, 2009
Medicare Open Enrollment Begins: Now Is The Time To Review Your Plan
(NAPSI)-You may know that new Medicare prescription drug and health plan choices are offered each year. Medicare's Open Enrollment Period runs through December 31.
Open Enrollment is your chance to review your current plan-including your Original Medicare coverage-compare it with your other options and make sure you're getting the best available coverage for your health care needs.
Your current health plan may have changed its cost or coverage for 2010, or maybe you'd like a plan with a lower deductible.
If you've had any changes in your health, it's particularly important for you to double-check your coverage during Open Enrollment so you can make sure that any new treatments or drugs are covered by your plan.
Since coverage varies by plan, know what's important for you. For example, make a list of the drugs you take so you can make sure they're covered by the plans you're considering.
If you are in Original Medicare and don't have prescription drug coverage, you can join a Medicare drug plan during Open Enrollment.
Medicare has several ways to get you the help you need to find a plan that works for you.
• Visit www.medicare.gov, where you can get a personalized comparison of the costs and coverage of the plans available in your area.
• Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to find out more about your coverage options. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. Medicare customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week with multiple language options and resources for people with disabilities.
• Watch your mailbox for the 2010 "Medicare & You" handbook. The handbook is mailed to all Medicare households each fall and includes a listing of all plans in your area. This handbook is also conveniently available online at www.medicare.gov.
• Meet one on one with a trained expert for personalized assistance. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov to find a Medicare specialist in your area. Select "Find Helpful Phone Numbers and Websites."
Important Medicare Enrollment Dates:
Dec. 31: Open Enrollment ends. Last day to join or change your Medicare drug plan.
Jan. 1: Your new plan coverage begins.
This message is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
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Open Enrollment is your chance to review your current plan-including your Original Medicare coverage-compare it with your other options and make sure you're getting the best available coverage for your health care needs.
Your current health plan may have changed its cost or coverage for 2010, or maybe you'd like a plan with a lower deductible.
If you've had any changes in your health, it's particularly important for you to double-check your coverage during Open Enrollment so you can make sure that any new treatments or drugs are covered by your plan.
Since coverage varies by plan, know what's important for you. For example, make a list of the drugs you take so you can make sure they're covered by the plans you're considering.
If you are in Original Medicare and don't have prescription drug coverage, you can join a Medicare drug plan during Open Enrollment.
Medicare has several ways to get you the help you need to find a plan that works for you.
• Visit www.medicare.gov, where you can get a personalized comparison of the costs and coverage of the plans available in your area.
• Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to find out more about your coverage options. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. Medicare customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week with multiple language options and resources for people with disabilities.
• Watch your mailbox for the 2010 "Medicare & You" handbook. The handbook is mailed to all Medicare households each fall and includes a listing of all plans in your area. This handbook is also conveniently available online at www.medicare.gov.
• Meet one on one with a trained expert for personalized assistance. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov to find a Medicare specialist in your area. Select "Find Helpful Phone Numbers and Websites."
Important Medicare Enrollment Dates:
Dec. 31: Open Enrollment ends. Last day to join or change your Medicare drug plan.
Jan. 1: Your new plan coverage begins.
This message is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
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Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Selecting Medicare Coverage: Four Considerations to Help Seniors Choose
/PRNewswire/ -- Open enrollment, the six-week period during which seniors can select healthcare coverage for 2010, begins Nov. 15. Health plans have begun sharing their costs and coverage, but making a choice can be a daunting task. Here are four considerations to help Medicare-eligible seniors select which Medicare coverage best meets their individual needs:
1. Understand the A, B, C and Ds of Medicare. There are four primary parts
to Medicare. Parts A and B cover hospital and medical expenses,
respectively. Parts C and D provide benefit and prescription drug
coverage through health insurance companies that are approved by
Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans include all of the coverage offered
by Parts A and B and can include prescription drug coverage under Part
D.
2. Compare costs. Premiums can range for $0 to hundreds of dollars per
month, depending upon the type of organization (nonprofit or
for-profit) and the type of coverage. Total plan costs include
premiums, co-payments and deductibles for everything from preventive
care to hospitalization.
3. Compare benefits and doctors. Does the plan have a large network of
doctors and specialists for you to choose from? Is your doctor and
preferred hospital in that network? Does the plan cover your
prescription medications?
4. Compare quality. Call the customer service number for the plans you're
considering. Does a live person answer the phone? Are they friendly,
helpful and knowledgeable? Does the plan offer value-added programs
that help you maintain or improve your health and independence? Does
the plan offer services to help your loved ones take care of you if
needed? Will the plan coordinate your care between doctors and
specialists?
Selecting Medicare coverage is an important decision, especially since Medicare rules indicate that members must maintain the coverage they've chosen for an entire year. Seniors currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans will soon receive letters from their health plans explaining any changes in coverage for 2010. "We recommend that people read this letter thoroughly to avoid any surprises in the coming year," said Tom Lescault, president of SCAN Health Plan Arizona. "Changes in government funding has forced many health plans to reduce benefits or increase costs. People need to make sure they are able to make informed decisions during open enrollment."
As part of an ongoing commitment to improving the lives of seniors, SCAN Health Plan Arizona is an exclusive sponsor of "Healthy Tips for Successful Aging" with ABC 15. Each week, the station airs 30-second health tips provided by SCAN. The health plan also is the exclusive studio sponsor for KOY radio and co-hosts "Senior Focus," a broadcast dedicated to senior-related issues.
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1. Understand the A, B, C and Ds of Medicare. There are four primary parts
to Medicare. Parts A and B cover hospital and medical expenses,
respectively. Parts C and D provide benefit and prescription drug
coverage through health insurance companies that are approved by
Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans include all of the coverage offered
by Parts A and B and can include prescription drug coverage under Part
D.
2. Compare costs. Premiums can range for $0 to hundreds of dollars per
month, depending upon the type of organization (nonprofit or
for-profit) and the type of coverage. Total plan costs include
premiums, co-payments and deductibles for everything from preventive
care to hospitalization.
3. Compare benefits and doctors. Does the plan have a large network of
doctors and specialists for you to choose from? Is your doctor and
preferred hospital in that network? Does the plan cover your
prescription medications?
4. Compare quality. Call the customer service number for the plans you're
considering. Does a live person answer the phone? Are they friendly,
helpful and knowledgeable? Does the plan offer value-added programs
that help you maintain or improve your health and independence? Does
the plan offer services to help your loved ones take care of you if
needed? Will the plan coordinate your care between doctors and
specialists?
Selecting Medicare coverage is an important decision, especially since Medicare rules indicate that members must maintain the coverage they've chosen for an entire year. Seniors currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans will soon receive letters from their health plans explaining any changes in coverage for 2010. "We recommend that people read this letter thoroughly to avoid any surprises in the coming year," said Tom Lescault, president of SCAN Health Plan Arizona. "Changes in government funding has forced many health plans to reduce benefits or increase costs. People need to make sure they are able to make informed decisions during open enrollment."
As part of an ongoing commitment to improving the lives of seniors, SCAN Health Plan Arizona is an exclusive sponsor of "Healthy Tips for Successful Aging" with ABC 15. Each week, the station airs 30-second health tips provided by SCAN. The health plan also is the exclusive studio sponsor for KOY radio and co-hosts "Senior Focus," a broadcast dedicated to senior-related issues.
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