Don't miss the new deadline for Medicare plans
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Posted January 12, 2012
Suburbanite November 11, 2011
That is a change from last year's deadline of Dec. 31, so be aware that it is three weeks sooner.
With the passage of the new health care reform, things have become more confusing for those who are eligible for Medicare.
Previously, participants had a second opportunity to change Medicare prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans, return to original Medicare or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time after the first of the year. Seniors now only have until Dec. 7 to select a plan that will meet their needs for the new year.
With this decision come many questions. Jim Loveless, SummaCare Vice President for Medicare and Individual Products, said, “You are not alone in this decision process.” Loveless suggests talking with your doctor or pharmacist.
“Many Medicare organizations, such as SummaCare, also offer community meetings and enrollment counseling throughout the Annual Election Period,” Loveless said. “Additionally, talk to your loved ones to make sure the decision you are making is right for you. And once you are enrolled in a plan, make sure to find out if there are local resources for any questions you have once you start to use your new plan.”
Understanding the “Medicare alphabet” is important.
Specifically, Medicare has four parts:
o Part A is Hospital Insurance, which helps pay for the care while in a hospital, skilled nursing facility or hospice care center.
o Part B is Medical Insurance that covers doctors, outpatient hospital care and other services that Medicare Part A does not cover, such as physical therapy.
o Part C, (Medicare Advantage), are plans available from other companies such as SummaCare. These provide Medicare beneficiaries with richer benefits that often include valuable preventive health and wellness services and lower out-of-pocket costs.
o Part D is Prescription Drug Coverage that helps with Medicare-approved prescription drugs.
Do your homework and act quickly so that 2012 rings in a good Medicare new year for you.
Do your Medicare shopping early with the following tips:
1. Gather information early to make the right decision before Dec. 7.
2. If you are new to Medicare, don't get overwhelmed. Make a list of the things that are most important to you needs and then ask questions.
a. What monthly premium can you afford?
b. Do you need both medical and pharmacy benefits?
c. Do you want to use certain doctors and hospitals?
d. Is the plan of high quality? How is it rated on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Medicare Options Compare and the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder? (On the web at: www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan.)
3. The list of benefits available is extensive, so if you try to review all of them, it can get overwhelming. It is important to focus on the benefits that are most important to you. The most common questions we hear from Medicare beneficiaries are:
a. Do you have comprehensive and affordable pharmacy coverage?
b. What is the inpatient hospital copay and is there a cap, or limit?
c. What is your Primary Care Physician Copay?
d. Do you have deductible on medical or pharmacy?
e. What “value added” benefits are included like fitness benefit, vision discounts, etc?
Help is available by contacting the health plans directly and talking with a knowledgeable sales representative about the choices. Look for comparison charts that allow side-by-side comparing of options.
It is easy to look up plans in your area by visiting www.medicare.gov. Go to the plans website for additional information. Applications can be submitted online.
For questions or more information call 888-464-8440. To get more information on SummaCare Secure call 330-996-8440 or 888-464-8440 (TTY 888-750-0750) or visit www.summacare.com/medicare.
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