|
|
|
Knowledge is Power—well-informed people make well-informed decisions.
The old adage “knowledge is power” has never been more poignant as health care
reform begins to take shape, particularly for seniors. It is estimated that California's senior population is expected to double from 3.3 million in 1993 to more than 6.6 million in 2020—the demand on our health care system will be great.
Whether you agree or disagree with the recent passing of the health care reform bill, one thing we all agree on is that education is the key to making an informed decision about health care.
The following are some key facts that you should know about health care reform and Medicare:
- The health care overhaul includes about $455billion in spending cuts for Medicare and other federal health programs over the next 10 years.
- Medicare will take strong action to reduce payment errors, waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicare. The President made a commitment to reduce Medicare fraud 50 percent by 2012.
- The life of the Medicare Trust fund is extended to at least 2029, a 12-year extension as a result of reducing waste, fraud and abuse, and slowing cost growth in Medicare, which provides Medicare beneficiaries with future cost savings on your premiums and coinsurance (healthcare.gov).
- The bill addresses the existing Medicare prescription-drug “donut hole” problem. Currently people fall into this so-called doughnut hole after a total $2,830 is spent on drugs and coverage stops. Coverage begins again after $4,550 is spent. In 2010, people who fall into the doughnut hole get a $250 rebate and in 2011, they get a 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs (Senior Citizen Journal). As of August 2010, 1 million rebate checks for $250 were mailed to American seniors who had reached the "donut hole." With all these changes, what can you expect to remain the same with your Medicare benefits? Clearly the guaranteed Medicare benefits you currently receive remain the same. Your ability to choose your own doctor hasn’t changed, and the vast majority of doctors and hospitals participating in Medicare, ensure a wide choice and access to care. Also, during Medicare Open Enrollment this fall, you still have a choice between original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan. Both continue to cover your health costs the way they always have, and there are no changes in eligibility.
California’s Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently provided details on some great improvements in the system including:
More affordable prescription drugs
This year, if you fall into the Part D “donut hole,” you will receive a $250 one-time rebate check if you are not already receiving Medicare Extra Help. Checks will begin mailing mid-June, and continue through out the year as beneficiaries enter the coverage gap. Next year, if you reach the coverage gap, you will receive a 50 percent discount when buying Part D-covered brand-name prescription drugs. Over the next ten years, you will receive additional savings until the coverage gap is closed in 2020.
New benefits to help you stay healthy
In 2011, you get free preventive care services like colorectal cancer screening and mammograms. You also get a free annual physical to develop and update your personal prevention plan based on current health needs.
With the new law, there is better access to care, better chronic care, more help for early retirees, improved long-term care choices, help for people with pre-existing conditions and more. The changes also help to strengthen and preserve our system by providing new tools to fight fraud, protect your Medicare rights, and create a more solid and solvent system.
Inter Valley Health Plan is committed to providing you with the most up-to-date information to help answer your questions and alleviate some of the anxiety that may come with health insurance and health reform. That is why we offer five Medicare Information & Vitality Centers across our service area (see sidebar) with Medicare Specialists to help you to understand your plan and know the options
that are, and will be, available to you. Becoming familiar with your health plan options helps you make the best decision for your individual need and helps you prevent illness and manage your current condition in the best way possible.
|
|
|
|