Once you reach age 65 you probably will have Medicare -- basic health insurance for older Americans. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older and certain disabled individuals. Medicare is the first payer of health care costs for most older people and for many disabled people. The U.S. Government Official Web Site for people with Medicare, http://www.medicare.gov
offers a wealth of information on benefits, plans, eligibility and other tools.
Medicare Advantage Plans are health plan options that are part of the Medicare program. These Medicare plans are offered by private insurance companies and pay for the same health care services as Original Medicare. But they might also pay for additional services that aren't covered by Original Medicare and have other program rules and restrictions.
You can join or switch Medicare Advantage Plans from January 1st to March 31, each year, but you cannot add or drop Medicare prescription drug coverage during this time. For example, if you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan with prescription drug coverage, you can switch to Original Medicare, but you'd also have to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
Some plans cover prescription drugs. In some Medicare Advantage plans (like a Health Maintenance Organization), you may only be able to see certain doctors or go to certain hospitals to get covered services. Be sure to read all of the information provided by the plan before you sign any documents! There are a number of different Medicare Advantage Plan types - HMO's, PPO's, Private Fee for Service Plans and Special Needs Plans - that provide different levels of service and various network options. Knowing whether or not your doctor participates in the plan is important to the selection of the right plan for you.
To compare Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans that are available in your area, visit www.medicare.gov or call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227- or - call your Local Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) at 1-800-701-0501. Once you have decided on a plan, contact the plan to find out more information and to obtain enrollment information. Once you enroll, the plan will let you know when your new coverage begins.
Complaints about improper and aggressive marketing of Medicare Advantage plans have grown steadily in New York State. Insurance agents who sell these products to Medicare beneficiaries often have used aggressive and misleading sales pitches that fail to explain how their plans work. Some beneficiaries have felt deceived when they are signed up for a plan that is inappropriate for their health needs. Seniors who believe they have been subjected to illegal sales practices should contact the Insurance Department (212-480-6400; toll-free at 800-342-3736; or use this link http://www.ins.state.ny.us)
(http://www.medicare.gov)
