Medicare october 2014

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | WEDNESDAY, october 8, 2014

Medicare

Simplified Solutions

INSIDE::

• Tips for finding better coverage • Be your own health advocate

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | wednesday, October 8, 2014 ■

Be your own health advocate to live well (BPT) — When you think about health care, doctors and hospitals often come to mind, but it’s important to remember that the person staring back at you in the mirror may be your greatest health advocate.

After all, no one knows your body or mind like you do. This is particularly important for the more than 52 million Americans enrolled in Medicare.

Being an advocate for your health can help keep you well, and could save you money on your Medicare coverage, too.

The health-care system is becoming more patient-centric, putting patients in the middle of all healthcare activities and asking them to work directly with doctors, family members and others to make major health decisions.

“One of the best things older adults can do for their health is to get the health-care system working around them as a team,” said Tom Paul, chief consumer officer for UnitedHealthcare. “In order to successfully navigate this system, it’s critical that people get informed about their health, the care options available to them and how their Medicare coverage works.”

The following tips can help you get started:

See

your doctor

Original Medicare covers an annual wellness visit. Here, you and your doctor can review your healthcare needs and make a plan for the future. Many Medicare Advantage plans also cover a full annual physical.

When you meet with your doctor, make note of your height, weight, blood pressure and other routine measurements that are taken at this visit.

Knowing and tracking your personal medical stats is important as you age.

Also, take time to talk to your primary care doctor about all of the doctors you’re seeing and any prescription medications you’re taking to help ensure your care is well coordinated.

Get

screened and vaccinated

Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans offer preventive care benefits that make it easy for beneficiaries to access important screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies as well as vaccinations such as an annual flu shot.

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Many of these preventive services are covered completely by Medicare, with no out-of-pocket costs.

Leverage

extra benefits to help you stay healthy

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, be sure to take advantage of programs and services available to you, which may include disease management programs or access to registered nurses who can answer health questions at any time, day or night.

Some plans even offer extra benefits like a gym membership or routine hearing, vision or dental coverage.

Most Medicare Advantage plans negotiate pricing with doctors, hospitals and pharmacies, which may translate into coordinated care and lower costs for members.

You might be able to save additional money on your prescriptions by using mail-order pharmacy benefits, switching to generic or lowertier drugs, or taking advantage of special programs and preferred pharmacy networks available with some plans.

By managing your health and understanding your coverage, you may be able to stay healthy while saving money. For more information, visit Medicare.gov.

Medicare & Muffins presented by Seniority Benefit Group

An overview of everything you need to know about Medicare in Fall Open Enrollment, when you turn 65 or plan to retire.

Saturday, October 25 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Saturday, November 15 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Two Convenient ways to R.S.V.P. 1) 614.707.4000

2) Register online at www.bmifcu.org This event is only for educational purposes and no plan-specific benefits or details will be shared.

6165 Emerald Parkway Dublin, OH 43016

BMI FCU® is open to everyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Franklin, Licking, Fairfield, Pickaway, Madison, Union, Delaware or Morrow County. Federally Insured by NCUA.

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | wednesday, october 8, 2014

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westminster-thurber

What is your next splash in life?

Dive in to new beginnings at Westminster-Thurber Community Life is a series of beginnings. Some feel that once you reach your sixth decade of life — and you begin to slow down your career and transition into retirement — life is only made up of endings. That is false. Even in retirement you can experience new beginnings.

A common path in the third semester of life (ages 60 to 90) is to retire from work, do some traveling, move out of your home and downsize to a condo or other type of maintenance-free residence.

It is during this part of your life’s journey that you have the most opportunities to explore new adventures.

If you find that retirement is lacking excitement or joy, it is never too late to change course and take a new path.

Have you thought of life as an adventure? Maybe you should, because you are on a voyage. Retirement is a wonderful season of life. Retirement is a time to reflect and to grow.

So what is holding you back from enjoying the journey you are on? What fear has a hold on you and will not allow you to move forward?

Sometimes during retirement, all a

person can think of is leisure and being carefree. Those are wonderful, but without meaning and purpose, life can feel empty.

So what is the solution?

What about moving to a place where life is colorful and good and surrounding yourself with vibrant, active individuals who want to enjoy all of life’s moments (past, present and future) while living a carefree lifestyle?

What about moving to a community that can provide you with the lifestyle you want, along with the assurance that when your needs change, the community can provide you with the services and care you require?

This type of community is known as a continuing care retirement community. Westminster-Thurber Community, located at 717 Neil Ave., has a 49-year history of excellence, and has grown to become the most complete residence for those 55 years of age and older.

Individuals from all over Ohio are discovering how retirement living can be a wonderful time where you can continue to experience new beginnings.

Excitement is building as Westminster-

Thurber Community constructs a new residence for active retirees.

The new residence is called Goodale Landing, which will have 68 apartments with seven floor plans from which to choose. Some of the key amenities include underground heated parking, concierge services, a rooftop terrace and community room. In addition, all apart-

ments have 9-foot ceilings, four-season sunrooms, balconies, a laundry room and much more.

To request a color brochure or to RSVP for a future Goodale Landing Informational meeting, contact Valerie Hartwell at (614) 228-8888.

It’s good living at Goodale Landing.

Equal Housing Opportunity

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | wednesday, October 8, 2014 ■

BMI federal credit union

Are you turning 65 or planning to retire?

These circumstances can prove confusing, but BMI Federal Credit Union® and Seniority Benefit Group* are offering two educational Medicare & Muffins seminars, which give practical Medicare advice.

Original Medicare has two parts — A and B. Part A covers hospitalization and Part B covers outpatient services and doctor visits.

Once enrolled in Original Medicare, there are several choices for coverage, including Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare Supplement Policy or remaining on a work/union retirement plan. Each of these, plus other coverage options will be discussed in the seminar.

Additionally, information will be provided to help select the most suitable health coverage for your individual situa-

tion, including when — and if — to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. If work/union/retirement plan health insurance is not an option, then a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Supplement Policy may be an alternative.

To enroll in either, both Medicare Parts A and B must be effective.

Medicare Advantage Plans often include a built-in prescription plan, maximum out-ofpocket protection and a network of doctors and hospitals.

Medicare Supplements help pay for some of the cost that original Medicare does not cover.

Medicare supplements do not include drug coverage;

therefore, individuals will often enroll in a separate stand-alone prescription drug plan.

At the end of the day, it is about peace of mind! Medicare & Muffins is an educational seminar to help you understand the basics of Medicare and equip you to choose the plan that best meets your personal needs.

To register for these free workshops visit bmifcu.org or call (614) 707-4000.

These events are only for educational purposes and no plan-specific benefits or details will be shared. *Seniority Benefit Group is an independent insurance agency helping seniors find the right Medicare plan that fits their needs and budget.

MEDICARE & MUFFINS • Saturday, Oct. 25 10-11:30 a.m.

• Saturday, Nov.15, 10-11:30 a.m.

To register, call 614-707-4000

6 tips for finding more affordable, better coverage (BPT) — Are you among the 54 million Americans currently receiving health insurance through Medicare?

The Medicare annual enrollment period (AEP), running from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, means you have the opportunity to change plans, and possibly find cost savings or better coverage.

Seniors and people with disabilities who receive their health-care insurance through Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plans can make changes to their plans during the AEP. They have a lot to consider this year.

More than 200 new prescription drug plans arrived in the Part D market this year, and more than 2,000 Medicare Advantage plans were available nationwide.

“On average, seniors have about 18 Medicare Advantage plans and 35 Part D plans to choose from,” said Mary Dale Walters, senior vice president of the Allsup Medicare Advisor, a nationwide Medicare plan selection service.

Enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans continues to increase — nearly 16 million people in 2014 — which indicates that more people like the benefits of using these health-care plans.

Many Medicare Advantage plans also have provider net-

works that mirror the type of coverage beneficiaries had through their employers while working.

“But people may have dozens of Medicare plans to choose from, depending on where they live. This really opens the door to finding Medicare plans that are a better fit for you and your health-care needs,” said Walters, who offered some guidelines for when it might be worth exploring other Medicare plans: 1. You’re paying too much for your monthly premium.

Perhaps you’ve been with the same plan for several years and each year the cost goes up a little bit more.

Shop around — there may be a number of other plan options where you live that could provide the same or better coverage at a lower cost.

2. You’re paying too much out of pocket after you receive medical treatment.

The costs with Medicare go beyond the monthly premium and include copayments, coinsurance, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.

If you’ve been surprised by the costs you must pay for medical treatment after the fact, you may want to

The costs of medications today can be financially crippling for people with chronic health issues and those requiring specialized treatment. talk to a Medicare plan selection specialist about your options and to ensure you know what to expect.

3. You can’t use your preferred doctors with your Medicare plan.

Some Medicare plans can change the networks of doctors and hospitals you can see.

If you’re finding it more difficult to see the doctors you would like to because of network changes, you could benefit from revisiting the Medicare plans in your area.

4. Prescription drug costs and coverage issues are causing you financial problems.

The costs of medications today can be financially

crippling for people with chronic health issues and those requiring specialized treatment.

Some plans change their drug formularies from year to year, which can affect the cost of the drug you take or your ability to get coverage for a specific prescription medication.

5. You had a life change in the past year or expect big changes next year.

If your income changed dramatically, you experienced a life-changing health issue, or you moved or plan to move, it could be vital for you to re-examine the scope of your Medicare coverage.

6. You were notified your plan will no longer be

available in 2015.

Sometimes Medicare plans leave the market. This can happen because the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) determine that some of the plans are too similar and are no longer necessary, or there may be quality concerns or other reasons.

Medicare participants can find important information for annual enrollment through the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and the Evidence of Coverage (EOC) that they receive from their insurance providers. Watch the mail for these important notices.

“Don’t ignore the information you get from your Medicare plan providers in September because they may be telling you about premium changes and other provisions that will change your health-care services next year,” Walters said.

“Take a close look at those materials, and consider reaching out to a Medicare plan selection specialist to help you review your options,” she said.

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | wednesday, october 8, 2014

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Choosing a Medicare plan?

Ask yourself these questions (BPT) — Each year during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (Oct. 15-Dec. 7), Medicare beneficiaries have a chance to make changes to their health and prescription drug coverage.

Yet according to a 2013 survey by UnitedHealthcare, more than 60 percent say they have never shopped around to find coverage that may better suit their needs. That’s unfortunate because Medicare is not a one-size-fits-all program, and a lot can change in a year in terms of your health status and budget. The plans that are available can change every year, too. “Choosing your health-care coverage is one of

peace of mind.

2. Do you travel frequently or spend part of the year in a different state?

If yes, you may want to consider Medicare supplement insurance. Medicare supplement plans work with Original Medicare to cover some or all of the out-of-pocket expenses not paid by Parts A and B. These plans are a popular choice for people who travel, since the coverage travels with you and is accepted by all doctors and hospitals that accept Medicare. Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare supplement plans typically do not have a network of providers.

3. Do you take prescription drugs or anticipate that you may need to start using them in the future?

If so, look into Medicare Part D, which helps cover the costs of prescription drugs. Part D coverage is often included in Medicare Advantage plans, but it can also be purchased separately in a standalone plan.

Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare supplement plans and Medicare Part D plans are offered by private insurance companies.

To review the plans available in your area, visit the plan finder tool on Medicare.gov.

ZERO, ZIP, ZILCH

No matter how you say it, Humana has Medicare Advantage plans with $0 premiums

Looking for a lower premium Medicare plan?

How does $0 a month sound?

You can get great benefits, plus the extras you want – all for a $0 monthly plan premium.

IMAGE THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM

the most important decisions you make each year because it can have a significant impact on your budget and quality of life,� said Tom Paul, chief consumer officer for UnitedHealthcare. “Although Original Medicare — Parts A and B — provides hospital and doctor coverage, most beneficiaries opt for additional coverage to help with the costs of prescription drugs as well as other health and budget needs. People typically have many choices when it comes to Medicare coverage, so it’s important to review all of your options,� he said.

To help sort through the Medicare options available in your area, consider asking yourself the following questions: 1. Are you comfortable accessing health-care services from a network of doctors and hospitals?

If so, you may want to consider a Medicare Advantage plan, which combines Parts A and B into one plan. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly 16 million Americans — or nearly one in three Medicare beneficiaries — are now enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.

Most Medicare Advantage plans have a network of providers from which you can access care. Having a network allows the plan to coordinate your care, which can help improve your health and ensure you’re receiving the care you need. If you go outside of the network, your plan may not help cover the costs.

Many Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits, such as a gym membership or routine hearing, vision or dental coverage. They also have an out-ofpocket maximum. This can help you predict your annual health-care costs and provide some financial

• Prescription drug coverage • 24-hour nurse advice line • Maximum annual out-of-pocket protection • Preventive coverage • Doctor’s office visits and hospital coverage • Convenient mail-order prescription coverage

• Emergency coverage at home and when you travel • Fitness program - gym membership at no additional cost • Dental, Vision and Hearing coverage • $50 monthly over-the-counter medication benefit

And that’s just for starters.

Call to find out what else you can get for a $0 premium.

1-855-329-9301 (TTY: 711) Call a licensed sales agent 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week Or attend a seminar to learn more Columbus Humana Guidance Center 2025 W. Henderson Rd. Wednesday, October 15th Wednesday, October 29th, 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 25th, 10:00 a.m.

Columbus Martin Janis Center 600 E. 11th Ave. Wednesday, October 15th Wednesday, October 29th 10:00 a.m.

Humana is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in a Humana .* , "#.#,"1 -, !-,20 !2 0#,#5 *@ &# #,#n2 ',$-0+ 2'-, .0-4'"#" '1 0'#$ 13++ 07A ,-2 !-+.*#2# "#1!0'.2'-, -$ #,#n21@ -0 +-0# ',$-0+ 2'-, !-,2 !2 2&# .* ,@ '+'2 2'-,1A !-. 7+#,21 ," 0#120'!2'-,1 + 7 ..*7@ #,#n21A .0#+'3+ ," +#+ #0 !-12 1& 0# + 7 !& ,%# -, ,3 07 q -$ # !& 7# 0@ -3 +312 !-,2',3# 2- . 7 7-30 #"'! 0# 02 .0#+'3+@ 1 *#1 .#01-, 5'** # .0#1#,2 5'2& ',$-0+ 2'-, ," ..*'! 2'-,1@ -0 !!-++-" 2'-, -$ .#01-,1 5'2& 1.#!' * ,##"1 2 1 *#1 +##2',%1 ! ** qQxuuQsryQyspq H B wqqJA u @+@ 2- x .@+@A w " 71 5##)@ ..*'! *# 2-

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | wEDnESDAy, OCTOBEr 8, 2014 ■

MEDIGOLD

MediGold earns highest rating among consumers According to the 2015 Medicare & You handbook recently mailed to Medicare beneficiaries by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), MediGold earned highest ratings among Medicare Advantage plans offered locally.

All Medicare Advantage brands are listed in the handbook, along with a shopping aid that CMS refers to as a “Members’ Rating of Plan.”

For the rating, a percent score is assigned to each Medicare Advantage brand. MediGold’s HMO offerings were awarded the highest mark at

92 percent. Other commonly recognized brands rated between 82 percent and 87 percent for their highest rated Medicare Advantage plans.

The ratings are developed by CMS based on how each Medicare Advantage plans’ consumers responded to independent surveys.

The 2014 Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey resulted well for MediGold. It presumably puts them in an enviable position at the start of Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period that runs Oct. 15 through

Dec. 7. For those who choose MediGold as their Medicare plan during this period, the plan will become effective with MediGold on Jan. 1, 2015.

“We’re thrilled to have earned this distinction,” said Doug Alfred, chief marketing officer for MediGold. “Our members’ opinions have always been important to us, and we’re committed to making their experience with us a great one.” It appears MediGold’s commitment has paid off.

Also notable from the handbook

With our Classic Preferred HMO, you’ll pay:

was MediGold’s out-of-pocket limit for its HMO offerings. This feature protects consumers from facing extremely high medical costs in any given year.

With MediGold, a consumer’s out-of-pocket risk stops at $3,200 in 2015. Some brands set this out-ofpocket risk as high as $6,700. The lower this figure is set, the better a consumer is protected.

If you wish to learn more about MediGold, call them directly at 1-800-964-4525 (TTY 711) between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week.

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October 18th at 10:00 a.m.

October 30th at 6:00 p.m.

Mount Carmel CSC–Auditorium 6150 E. Broad St. Columbus, OH

Visit MediGold.com for more meeting dates and locations.

5-Star Maximum Rating for Customer Service [according to the 2014 Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) Survey].

5-Star Maximum Rating for Improving or Maintaining Physical Health [according to the most recent Health Outcomes Survey (2013)].

We also earned a 4-Star Overall Plan Rating [according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) relative to 2015].

Call to get your FREE Easy Guide: 1-800-964-4525 (TTY 711) 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., 7 days a week Or visit MediGold.com

MediGold is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in MediGold depends on contract renewal.

The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information, contact the plan. Limitations, co-payments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, provider network, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. Other MediGold options are available. A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings call 1-800-964-4525 (TTY 711). Free guide without obligation. Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Star Ratings are calculated each year and may change from one year to the next. H3668_011ad1_15 Accepted