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Oct 2008
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State Health Insurance Assistance Program to Help Seniors During Medicare Part D Enrollment
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) says the next enrollment period for Medicare Part D prescription drug assistance is about to get underway.
SHIP volunteer Steve Jacobs says enrollment will occur November 15 through December 31, 2008. Beneficiaries can select a prescription drug plan January 1 through March 31, 2009.
Steve Jacobs works with Dolores Gomez, 69, on her Medicare health plan at the Washoe County Senior Center.SHIP is looking to recruit new volunteers anticipating there will be new people looking to enroll or inquire about Medicare Advantage or supplemental plans, in addition to existing beneficiaries who want to change plans because they have problems receiving benefits.
“Baby boomers are turning 64 this year,” Jacobs said, “and we anticipate talking to many of them.” Boomers can enroll three months before the month they turn 65 and three months after. “If they don't make that period, they will pay a penalty unless they receive health care through a creditable private plan, or employer plan,” he said, adding, “Lot's of people are working past retirement age.”
In addition to Part D, people age 65 and older can enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan that include Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), Private Fee-for Service plans (PFFS), Special Needs Plans (SNPs), and Regional PPOs. Seniors will be receiving notices before November that they can enroll in new plans, or change their plan during the enrollment period.
In 2008, nearly a quarter of the nearly 45 million people on Medicare enrolled in a private Medicare Advantage plan. In Nevada, that counted as 31 percent of beneficiaries.
Low-income beneficiaries may qualify for Part D assistance if they earn $673.40 (singles), or $1,030.46 for couples. Beneficiaries who qualify will receive full benefits, including premiums, deductibles and copays. Beneficiaries who earn above that amount may qualify for assistance programs under Medicaid. (The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program pays premiums, coinsurance, and deductibles for people earning up to 100 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). The Specified Low- Income Medicare Program (SLMB) pays Medicare premiums only for low-income individuals who earn up to 120 percent of the FPL.)
SHIP, managed by the Access to Healthcare Network, provides free one-on-one information, counseling and assistance to beneficiaries. Volunteers work on problems seniors encounter regarding Medicare, supplemental health insurance and long-term care options. Jacobs says he spends countless hours assisting beneficiaries, some with very complex problems regarding benefits. He is also trained to help with appeals when Medicare refuses payment.
Seniors looking to talk with a SHIP volunteer can call 775- 328-2673 or toll free at 1-800- 307-4444.