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October 2018
Homage
Commentary: State insurance commissioner helps older adults make sense of Medicare By Melanie Anderson Deputy State Insurance Commissioner for Consumer Protection As the calendar page turns to the month of October, along with it comes the smell of fall leaves, less daylight and crisp and cooler temperatures. And for some of us, it also means Medicare Open Enrollment. For the more than 109,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Snohomish County, this is an important time of year. Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period — sometimes called the Annual Election Period — runs each year from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. During this time, those on Medicare: ■■ Can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan — and vice versa ■■ With Original Medicare ca n join, drop or switch a Part D prescription drug plan ■■ With a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan. Your new coverage will start Jan. 1. And Homage Senior Services is ready to help you with all of these
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“We kind of lay out their options in front of them. We look at the doctors they go to, the medications they take, what clinics they go to, everything,” Sosa said. “Do they travel a lot? If they’re gone more than six months, they might not want an HMO (health maintenance organization). That coverage may or may not go
Melanie Anderson
decisions. Homage serves as the community partner for the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors program. SHIBA is a consumer protection service offered through the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. SHIBA provides free, unbiased and confidential help with Medicare
beyond Snohomish County.” Last year SHIBA, served 2,456 clients in Snohomish and Skagit counties during Medicare open enrollment, saving them a combined total of $711,000. It filed 13 client complaints or appeals with the state Office of the Insurance Commissioner, and 11 fraudulent claims or billing errors that resulted in savings of $42,000. It also provided 19 educational presentations on open enrollment. Statewide, SHIBA has over 400 volunteers. They assisted over 108,000 individuals last year.
and other health care options to people of all ages and backgrounds across our state. We train and certify our volunteer advisers, who are available for one-on-one, in-person and phone counseling. Our volunteer advisers can help you compare prescription drug plans, Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage plans, and other information to help you make an informed decision about what Medicare plans work best for your personal situation. Medicare is not a one-size fits all program. Each person’s needs, situation and benefits are different — and that includes spouses who may have their own unique Medicare plan. If you qualify, our SHIBA advisers can also help you apply for any programs that’ll save you money on Medicare costs, such as Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs. The Medicare Savings Program helps you pay for Medicare premiums, deductibles and other Medicare-related costs. Extra Help covers the costs of Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage such as,
premiums, deductibles, some copay costs and the donut hole/coverage gap. If you’re on Medicaid, Social Security Income, or get help from Medicare Savings Programs, you automatically qualify for Extra Help. We’ll review your income and assets to see which programs you might qualify for and then help you apply. If you have Original Medicare, our trained SHIBA advisers will also share with you information about Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans. Medigaps, sold by private insurance companies, can help pay for some of the health costs Original Medicare doesn’t cover like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. Whether you’re already on Medicare and need help during the annual open enrollment period, or you’re just getting ready to turn 65 and need some help navigating Medicare, give your local SHIBA office a call. In Snohomish and eastern Skagit counties, Homage Senior Services is your go-to place for some no-cost, quality, unbiased help.
“We don’t sell anything,” said Patricia Stuart, SHIBA outreach coordinator. “It’s well worth it to spend an hour at an appointment if it can save you hundreds of dollars a year. SHIBA volunteers receive extensive training, with refresher courses every two months. Many, such as Endelman, are retirees themselves. “At the end of the day, what you decide to do with Medicare can affect the rest of your life,” Endelman said. “When I can help someone understand how it works best for them, and if I can
get them extra benefits or save them money on their drugs, that’s a real significant thing.” It pays for all Medicare patients to review their coverage annually, said Sosa. “Come in and compare. You never know,” she said. “Even if you already have the best plan, it’s great to have the security of knowing, ‘I’ve in the best plan.’ ” To schedule an appointment with a SHIBA adviser during Medicare open enrollment, call 425-513-1900. For more information, visit www.insurance.wa.gov/ shiba.-
ELDER LAW ATTORNEY
SARAH DUNCAN Assisting seniors with Probate, Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Directives and Medicaid Planning 3128 Colby Avenue Everett, Washington 98201
425-339-8556
425-339-8556
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Distribution: Over 12,000 papers are mailed to households and senior-friendly businesses;1,900 papers are distributed at drop-off locations including senior centers, retirement communities, libraries, etc. Published by Homage Senior Services www.homage.org 5026 Airport 196th St.Rd. SW, Lynnwood, 98036 11627 Suite B, Everett,WA WA 98204 425-513-1900 Published monthly with a readership of 100,000+, the Homage Senior Services educates and entertains readers (seniors, family caregivers, service providers and other interested persons) with news and information that reflects the diverse interests and needs of the senior community. Signed articles are the opinon of the writer and not the opinion of Homage Senior Services.
“Wow! First time in two years I could eat an apple right off the tree. And now for corn on the cob. Thanks for everything, Dr. Hughes.” -Pete
Also distributed monthly in The Daily Herald. Contact Josh O’Connor at 425.339.3007 or at joconnor@soundpublishing.com. Advertising: The existence of advertising (including political advertisements) in this publication is not meant as an endorsement of the individual, product or service by anyone except the advertiser. For more information, contact Jacqueray Smith, Multimedia Consultant, at 425.339.3023 or at jsmith@soundpublishing.com
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