Changes in Michigan Medicare?
Question by cnikki: changes in michigan medicare?
Best answer:
Answer by michaelBSN
PLEASE ASK MORE IN DETAIL-i am a nurse here in Michigan that is familiar with medicare
Answer by Sunny Flower
The changes you may have heard about probably have to do with Medicare Part D–the new prescription drug plan benefit. Companies offering these plans are changing them now and seniors who are already on one of these plans will have the opportunity to change their plan for the coming year. Between November 15th and December 31 is the “open enrollment period” for Medicare Part D–although the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) wants everyone who canto enroll before December 8th to make sure everyone gets on the computer system. (Yes, this window may be a bit narrow…)
If seniors haven’t enrolled in a Part D plan yet, this would also be the time for them to sign up, if they plan to. Those that don’t sign up and decide to do so later will see their Part D premium rate increase 1% (one percent) for each month that they were eligible to enroll, but did not.
Medicare Part D can be confusing. Several factors, including what prescription drugs you take, what kind of plan you are willing to accept, what pharmacy you want to do business with and whether the plan you want will pay for the specific prescription drugs you need should be considered. The way Part D Medicare is structured is definitely not a “one size fits every senior” deal. Each individual–even husbands and wives, need to go through the process to determine what plan is going to meet their needs and will be the “best deal,” Also, seniors in some states have Medicare Advantage and Medicare HMO-type plans as options. Seniors and their care-givers need to look at all options with thought and care and comparison of different options–especially with the different drugs many seniors need–can be frustrating to sort out.
Since you live in Michigan, there are objective professionals not far from where you are who can help you sort out your options based on what you need and want so you can make the best decision possible–the folks at your Area Agency on Aging.
Area Agencies on Aging are one of the best kept secrets around for folks who need information about consumer issues and Medicare Part D and Medicare in general. They would know the latest about the changes happening with Medicare in your state. They work with a lot of seniors everyday, so they are great resources who know the “scoop” on the different plans. (And they are not trying to sell you anything!) So, you might consider calling your local Area Agency on Aging. You can call toll-free 1-800-677-1116 to find how to contact the one serving you. Each Area Agency on Aging has professionals available to answer questions like this one. You will most likely find the people there friendly and very helpful.
If you do contact your local Area Agency on Aging and like the help that they give you, let your local county officials and your folks in Congress know. Area Agencies on Aging are funded by funds from the Older Americans Act which has not seen significant budget increases in years. Your donation to support the work that helps your older friends and neighbors would be appreciated–but is not necessary to get answers and assistance that you seek.
Seniors are going to be getting lots of mail from companies hawking their plans between now and December 31. The best advise I’ve heard suggests that seniors put all the mailings, etc in one place in in their homes. After November 15 or so , they should look at all the plans available, do comparison shopping based on their individual situations and sign up ONLY after taking time to consider the best option that works for them.
Hope this helps! Good luck and Best wishes!
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