For many people, signing up for Medicare Part B doesn’t require you to leave the comfort of home. Here is what you need to know and how to make it happen.
Medicare
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…
Don’t Get Caught Saying “Oh No” when Medicare Changes in 2020!
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
It’s Nearing! Annual Enrollment for Medicare
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
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
Calling All Volunteers – We have a spot for YOU!
Do you know that Senior Advocacy Services relies on the work of our volunteers to reach seniors across Sonoma County? Our next Ombudsman Training begins in August, and we need more volunteers to help advocate for residents of long term care facilities across our county.
Take Advantage of Medicare’s Preventive Services
Did you know Medicare gives you access to a variety of preventive tests and screenings, most at no cost to you?
For example, Medicare covers screenings for diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease and more.
Beware of DNA Scam
Be advised that California Senior Medicare Patrol has seen an alarming increase in fraudulent billing where older adults are deceived into submitting to a cheek swab procedure (aka genetic testing). The scammer claims the procedure tests for cancer and/or other health-related benefits and that is fully covered by Medicare or Medi-Cal.
The scammers offer their fraudulent services to administrators at senior centers, senior residential facilities and other locations including setting up stands at supermarkets and other public locations.
We have additional reports that insurance agents and other service-oriented professionals are unknowingly recruited to serve as lead generators.
Please help us prevent the victimization of our older adults by alerting your networks to this most recent fraud scam. Please, also let us know others who would benefit from this alert.
Micki Nozaki, Director
California Senior Medicare Patrol
Go paperless for your Medicare and You book
Missed going paperless with Medicare on Earth Day 2019? It’s not too late! Visit Medicare.gov/GoPaperless to sign up for your “Medicare & You” eHandbook.
Sign up for your eHandbook
Instead of mailing you a paper handbook every year, Medicare will send you an email each fall when the new eHandbook is available. They will also email you about any major updates to the handbook throughout the year, including cost changes.
Sign up by May 31. It’s an easy way to go green — and save Medicare paper and money!
Smartphone Medicare App
Not sure if Medicare will cover your medical test or service? Medicare’s free “What’s covered” app delivers accurate cost and coverage information right on your smartphone.
Search or browse in the app to learn if Medicare will cover your medical test or service. Medicare’s free “What’s covered” app delivers accurate cost and coverage information right on your smartphone. Use the app at the doctor’s office, in the hospital, or anywhere you use your smartphone or tablet.
Get the app directly from the App Store or Google Play.
