HERALD Official Organ Of The Sla vonic Benevolent Order Of The State Of Texas. Founded 1897. BENEVOLENCE
VOLUME 53 — NO. 7
HUMANITY
BROTHERHOOD
Postmaster: Please Send Form 3579 with Undeliverable Copies to: SUPREME LODGE, SPJST, P. 0. Box 100, TEMPLE, TEXAS
FEBRUARY 23, 1966
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK (Answering a special request of the Publication Committee, we bring our readers a timely article on the government's "Medicare" plan, which will go into effect July 1st of this year. Although our daily press is full of related articles, there may still be some who are not very familiar with the plan and how it will work). MEDICARE DEADLINE FAST APPROACHING The deadline for signing up for medical benefits under the government's new Medicare program is fast approaching for some six million aged persons who have not yet indicated if they want to take part. The law passed by Congress last year provides that the great majority of persons 65 and over are automatically protected by the hospital insurance portion (Part A) of Medicare, but that all these persons must apply in writing if they want the benefits of the voluntary medical care insurance program (Part B). The Health InSurance Institute, a public information organization supported by the nation's insurance companies, has pointed out that persons 65 or older have until March 31, 1966 to state his or her preference on the, medical program. Benefits begin July 1, 1966. The next enrollment period for the
medical program will be held starting October 1, 1067, benefits commencing July 1968. As of mid-January preference had not been expressed by more than six million persons out of 19 million in the 65-and-over age bracket. Of the responses received by the Social Security Administration on the question of enrolling in Part B, 10 million persons said "Yes," 1.1 million said "No," while .9 million required a follow-up, and .4 million were unprocessed. Projected on a base of 19 million aged persons, this means that 53 per cent have so far chosen to take Part B. Changing Your Mind The Institute noted that if a person has already sent back his enrollment card marked "No," it still is possible for him to change his mind at any time up to March 31, 1966. He should notify his nearest social security district office, or send a note to the Social Security Administration (P. 0. Box 1363, Baltimore, Maryland 21203) stating that he wishes to change his enrollment to "Yes," and giving his name, address, and social security account number. The hospital portion (Part A) of Medicare is financed out of social security taxes. Persons who elect coverage under the medical portion (Part B) will pay a premium of $3 a month
with the Federal Government paying an equal amount. (Persons receiving social security pensions who sign up for the medical portion, would have their $3 monthly premium deducted from their monthly checks. Persons not on social security pension or railroad retirement can arrange through their local social security offices for a convenient method of payment). The Institute also urges aged persons with private health insurance policies to retain their coverages until July when the Medical benefits begin. The Institute said that individual insurance companies now are deciding on what modifications may be necessary in their current coverage for the elderly. These companies, along with any that have announced modifications, soon Will contact their own policyholders. The enrollment period began Sept. 1, 1965, and will end March 31, 1966. Persons 65 or older by Jan. 1, 1966, 'must enroll during this enrollment period if they want the supplemental medical insurance. People who are receiving social security or railroad retirement benefits have received their enrollment card by mail. Persons receiving old-age assistance benefits from the Texas Department of Public Welfare will be contacted by their welfare office. Others who have not