There are over 44 million individuals who depend upon Medicare to cover the majority of their medical bills. The problem that the majority of people have with Medicare is that it is confusing and hard to understand.
There is hope for Medicare beneficiaries and it will come through in November and December. Open enrollment period for Medicare runs from November 15th to December 31st. Any new coverage or options that a Medicare beneficiary opts for will go into effect on January 1, 2009.
It makes sense that people want to understand at least the basics about Medicare as Open Enrollment time approaches. They need to have and understand accurate information so they can figure out if they should change coverage.
Realizing the situation, Health Alliance Plan (HAP), out of Detroit, Michigan, is offering help in the form of a DVD entitled “Making Medicare Work for You.” An article in the Wall Street Journal describes the DVD as a helpful tool to research Medicare, and goes on to state that HAP's new "Making Medicare Work for You" DVD offers helpful information. Local experts, including a physician, a pharmacist and a representative from the Area Agency on Aging 1-B Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program, explain the basics of Medicare, options for extra coverage, how to choose a plan and more. "Making Medicare Work for You" also explains the "A-B-C-s" of Medicare, what Original Medicare doesn't cover, and what to do when your employer cancels your retiree health benefits. The DVD also covers the importance of preventive services and managing chronic conditions.
"This DVD was created for the general public, and is meant to be useful resource for anyone trying to better understand Medicare," said Karen Wintringham, vice president, Medicare and Public Sector Programs. "The DVD also explains how to prepare for the open enrollment period and what to consider when making your decision about a plan for the coming year."
In addition to the DVD, a videotape of the information is available. To get information or obtain a DVD or videotape of “Making Medicare Work for You" Call 1-800-971-7878, or TDD at 1-313-664-8000.
Seniors enrolled in Medicare should receive Medicare information in the mail regarding their benefits in October. They should receive a letter and information telling them what they are covered for, what supplements they are enrolled in (if any) and any changes to their premiums and/or their coverage.
It is important to take the time to carefully read this information and make certain that you understand it. It will tell you what your 2009 premiums will be and will tell you what is covered, including prescriptions.
Prescription coverage will be very important to check over carefully. You could currently be covered for all of your medications, but there could be changes in coverage that might cover every medication except for one. This does not always happen, but it could.
In the event that one of your prescription medications is not covered it is important that you check with your doctor and see if there is an alternative or substitute prescription that would work in its place. Then you will have to check to see if the alternative or substitute medication is covered. If you can’t find a suitable alternative medication, you may have to check for a different supplement that will cover the medications you need.
Other things to consider are how much the premiums will increase, if any. Check to see if your co-pays will increase, as well. The more you know about your coverage, the better decisions you and your doctor will be able to make regarding your ongoing treatment.
The fact that this information is being sent to you in October gives you time to get the facts you need about your coverage before the open enrollment period for Medicare Part D, which is from November 15th through December 31st. That is the time during which you can switch plans if you need to, without any penalties for pre-existing conditions or other issues.
If you receive Medicare, be on the watch for your letter describing your current coverage in October. If you don’t receive it, call 1-800-MEDICARE. You can call the Seniors Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) at 1-800-443-9354 or check with them on the web at www.ncshiip.com. They are an organization that specifically helps seniors with insurance and Medicare questions and issues.
