Is your Medicare health plan leaving your area?
Each year, private insurance companies decide whether or not they will pursue contracts with Medicare to provide health-care payment to people in Idaho. These insurance plans are called Medicare Health Plans or Medicare Advantage Plans. If a plan is offered one year and the company decides not to contract again the following year, people enrolled in that plan have special protections. For the contract year starting January 2013, some companies have decided to no longer contract for people in Idaho or to change their product offer.
People who are affected by these contract changes should have been notified by mail by early October. There are several options for these people including the option to buy a Medigap policy from the company of their choice. Medigap policies currently sold in Idaho charge monthly premiums based on where the person lives or the age of the person when they buy the policy, and sometimes their health condition. When a person is losing their Medicare Health Plan, companies cannot refuse to sell coverage or charge extra for poor health.
Return to Original Medicare:
• Decide to purchase Part D drug coverage or not.
• Pay deductibles and copays as they occur for medical services not related to prevention.
Buy Another Medicare Health Plan:
• Decide to use a plan with or without Part D drug coverage.
• Pay premiums and copays as they occur for medical services not related to prevention.
Return to Original Medicare and Buy a Medigap Policy without health underwriting:
• Decide to purchase Part D drug coverage or not.
• Pay premiums and $0-more in copays and deductibles as they occur for medical services not related to prevention.
SHIBA is the local, objective source of information for people with Medicare and their caregivers. SHIBA counselors can help people with one on one appointments or classroom style learning. They can also assist people with applications for money saving programs like Extra Help with prescription drug costs and Medicare Savings Programs that reduce medical costs.
To find a class or schedule assistance in Idaho, call your local SHIBA office at (800) 247-4422.
- SHIBA (part of the Department of Insurance)