Golden Gazette • October 2015 • Page 21
Medicare plans and what you should know about them (Continued from Page 20)
benefits are subject to a yearly deductible ($147 in 2015) and out-of-pocket co-payments, co-insurance and monthly premiums. The standard Part B monthly premium for 2015
was $104.90. Your actual payment will depend on your income and assets. Those with a lower income or assets may be eligible to receive assistance with Part B payments through
12 questions to ask when selecting a Medicare plan When making your selections, compare what you need to what the various plans offer. Start by asking the following questions: o How much will I have to pay for premiums, deductibles, doctor visits or hospital stays? o Will my doctors accept the coverage? If not, are there doctors near me who will? o Will I have to choose hospital and health care providers from a network? o Will I need referrals to visit specialists? o Is there a yearly limit on out-of-pocket costs? o Will the plan cover me if I get sick while traveling in another state? o What will my prescription drugs cost? o Are my drugs on the plan’s drug list (or formulary)? o Does the plan include the pharmacies I currently use? o Can I get my prescriptions through the mail? o Does the plan have a 24-hour customer service line? o Does the plan have a good quality rating? Whether you are new to Medicare or are deciding if you should change plans during Medicare open enrollment, you should gather information from a variety of sources. If you’re considering a Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan, both of which are run by private insurers, do not rely solely on information from the sponsoring insurance company.
a variety of programs, such as Medicaid. Part C (Medicare Advantage) Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by private companies approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and are similar to private insurance that’s available through the traditional health insurance marketplace. Medicare Advantage Plans cover emergency and urgent care needs and may offer extra coverage for vision, hearing, dental, and health and wellness programs. Most Medicare Advantage Plans include prescription drug coverage similar to Medicare Part D. Monthly premiums for a Medicare Advantage Plan are separate from the Part B monthly premium. Medicare Advantage Plans, by law, have an out-of-pocket maximum of no more than $6,700 per year, while Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not have an out-ofpocket maximum. Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage. Enrollment in Part D is not automatic, and there is a late enrollment fee for signing up
after the initial enrollment period. All the prescription drug plans vary in cost and coverage options. Medigap If you decide to go the Part A/B/D route, it’s important to know that Medicare doesn’t cover everything, and there is no cap on what you might be asked to pay out-of-pocket. To help, you have the option of buying what is called a Medigap plan. These are supplemental policies that cover services not covered by Medicare Parts A, B and D. These are
not a government benefit, but rather insurance policies sold by private companies. Medigap plans are not necessary if you are covered under Part C. Affordable Care Act It is important to note that individuals who use Medicare are not affected by the ACA and do not have to change their coverage. For the complete Medicare Guide or for more information on the Transamerica Center for Health Studies, visit www.transamericacenterforhealthstudies.org/affordable-care-act/medicare-guide.
Homographs are words of like spelling but with more than one meaning. A homograph that is also pronounced differently is a heteronym. You think English is easy? The bandage was wound around the wound. The farm was used to produce produce. The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse. We must polish the Polish furniture. He could lead if he would get the lead out. The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert. Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present. A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum. When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes. * Erudite: characterized by great knowledge; learned or scholarly
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