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Senior Advocacy Services

One agency with three programs that advocate for seniors in long term care facilities and Medicare beneficiaries who want unbiased individual help and advocacy.

Medicare

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Don’t avert your eyes if you’re on Medicare

A new study shows that more than half of enrollees don’t review or compare their coverage options annually.

In the 6 county region our North Bay HICAP serves, there are 58 managed care Advantage plan options alone! There are 32 Part D drug plans, 10 Medigap supplemental products sold by 29 companies, I don’t blame you.

Averting your eyes only serves to create a situation where you are paying so much more for your Medicare costs and potentially missing out on coverage that could benefit you.

That is the reason HICAP is here as California’s State Medicare Health Insurance Assistance Program!  We take the complication out of all the choices and simplify the experience so you can be assured you are not paying more then you have to while ensuring you have the best coverage.

If you are high income, it is important to set an appointment for review.  If you are low income, it is important to set an appointment for review.  It is critically important to understand that

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2021 Medicare Part B premiums announced

 

Each year the monthly premium changes for Part B, the Outpatient portion of Medicare.  It has increased for 2021 as have the deductibles for both Parts A and B.

If you want to meet with someone who can walk you through the details one-on-one, HICAP is here.

Here are details of the changes.

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When HICAP can help, why make the choice to not review your health plan?

Don’t choose to ignore annual changes to your Medicare coverage.  It  takes just one medical situation to be in serious trouble.

Next year in 2021, there are 32 Part D prescription plans, each with different formularies, coverage and prices ranging from $7 to $134 per month. There will be 58 Advantage plan managed care choices in the 6 county North Bay region each with different prices, physician networks and coverage options.

What statistic are you?

Why would someone choose not to get 1-on-1 unbiased help reviewing their options, at no charge, from their local HICAP when the outcome could save them hundreds of dollars and ensure the plan they are in will cover their medical needs for the next year.  Every year EVERYTHING changes.

Here are the facts as reported by the Kaiser Family Foundation who provide trusted reporting on national health issues…

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Social Security in-person Appointments

On October 22, 2020, the Social Security Administration (SSA) revised the information about who is eligible for an in-person appointment while its local offices generally remain closed to the public due to the pandemic.

SSA divides their instructions into: 1) Those who need help with their benefits; and 2) Those who need help with a Social Security number (SSN).

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How SHIPs (HICAP) Can Help With Your Medicare Questions and Problems

Every year EVERYTHING CHANGES when it comes to Medicare.

MEDICARE CAN BE complicated.

It’s easy to make mistakes when signing up that could result in lifelong penalties or coverage gaps, and people who lose their jobs after age 65 have an extra layer of complexity. Everyone on Medicare has the opportunity to choose a Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan during open enrollment each year, and the plan you select could make thousands of dollars of difference in your out-of-pocket costs.

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Some unscrupulous sales people

Some unscrupulous sales people are trying to get Supplemental Medigap policyholders to switch from Plan F to Plan G in order to make a commission. Don’t be pressured to change your plan. Choose the right coverage for you.

Medigap coverage is guaranteed renewable. As long as the policyholder pays the premium, the coverage cannot be cancelled. Some policyholders are being told that…

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Don’t Get Caught Saying “Oh No” when Medicare Changes in 2020!

man holding his head in his hands and saying oh no

Did you know that every year everything changes?

Oct.15 – Dec.7  is your opportunity to review upcoming changes in 2020 and decide if your coverage is still the best option related to your current health and cost changes.

There are 2 ways you can have your Medicare benefits. One way to have your Medicare healthcare is Original Medicare with 4 separate parts which would include a Part D plan and Medigap Supplemental product.  The other way you can have your Medicare healthcare is through a managed care plan called an Advantage plan.

Every year everything changes.

The projected 2020 Advantage plan premiums represent a 23 percent drop from 2018 premium levels.  CMS also noted that plan choices have multiplied. Benefits have expanded and Medicare Advantage enrollment is rising.

In the 6 county region served by our HICAP, Advantage plan choices are increasing from 19 to 37 plans in 2020.

2020 Original Medicare Part D prescription plan company choices in our region also increased from 30 to 32 plans for 2020.  Premiums, deductibles, formularies and copays for each plan have also changed for next year.

Question: Who is responsible for your healthcare?

If you’re in an Advantage plan, will your Dr. still be in our plan’s network and will additional benefits still be covered?

If you have Original Medicare with a Part D plan, will your prescriptions still be in their formulary and are you paying the lowest amount for your plan and medications?  Part D premiums next year will range from $12.80/month up to $118.40/month.

If your healthcare is your responsibility, are you meeting with HICAP to review what your options are for 2020 or are you one of those who doesn’t check then places a frantic call to us when Jan. 1st is here and you discover your physician coverage has significantly changed or certain prescriptions in the formulary are no longer covered?

Schedule a 1-on-1 appointment by calling 800-434-0222 or Attend an Unbiased Seminar in your area.

HICAP is a free & unbiased service through the CA Dept. of Aging.

Our goal is to provide truly unbiased help so you can make more informed decisions about your Medicare healthcare before you step out there and deal with agents & plans.

A blog post from Senior Advocacy Services – senioradvocacyservices.org

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It’s Nearing! Annual Enrollment for Medicare

photo of woman clutching her face and looking worried  Starting in October, there is a bit of hysteria in the Medicare world. This is because the Annual Enrollment Period is nearing – and most Medicare beneficiaries believe that this is the only time when they can make any change to their coverage.

However, contrary to what many think, Annual Enrollment Period of October 15 – December 7 is actually not the only time to make changes to your Medicare coverage.Read More

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What Does Kindness Look Like? Celebrating the Valuable Work Our Volunteers Do.

Senior Advocacy Services has a long history of working with a large cadre of generous volunteers helping to advocate for and inform seniors across six counties (Sonoma, Marin, Napa, Solano, Mendocino, and Lake). Our volunteers provide tangible results and intangible qualities that not only brighten the days of our aging population but also make a direct impact on their safety and quality of life.

Ways we depend upon our Volunteers

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