Help To Unscramble the Medicare Maze

Medicare used to be one basic program with very few – or no – variables.  You got what you got, it paid what it paid, the doctors were pretty familiar with it and so were Medicare recipients.  Sometimes the payment was slow getting to the doctors, but everyone knew that was how it was and simply lived with it.

Fast forward to today.  There is still a basic Medicare program; however there are a total of 57 prescription drug programs (Part D) that a recipient could ask for.  Any combination of them could work for a recipient; however, there is usually one combination that will work best.  Supposedly, the way to find that combination is to go onto the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov and type in all of your prescriptions where asked.  At that point, you should receive a plan recommendation that is best for you.

The problem is that there is no way to be sure.  It is essential that you sign up for Medicare Part D when you are ready to turn 65.  Do your research in advance, because you have only three months after your 65th birthday to sign up for Part D.  In addition, you have the right to refuse Part B which covers   , but experts say that it is not wise to do so. L Though it costs $96 per month and comes out of your Social Security check each month, it could cost much more if you had to pay the cost of the medical bills it covers out of your own pocket.

In some states and counties, such as in southern Oregon, there are meetings being held to discuss Medicare and unscramble what means what.  There are organizations with volunteers in Oregon to help you understand – in plain, understandable English – exactly what is covered and exactly what you need.

Dick Heintz of Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) will be facilitating workshops in Oregon.  This is important information for you to know.  If you are in areas other than southern Oregon and need information, go to www.medicare.gov.

Filed under: General-Medicare

Tags: General-Medicare, Medicare Part B, Medicare Part D, prescription drug coverage, Socil Security Administration