Medicare Changes and Tough Decisions | Michigan Elder Law Center

It isn?t easy to assess all the options: Seniors and other beneficiaries must weigh short-term savings in premiums against long-term costs in co-pays or limited benefits. It is important to consider developing health concerns and how easily they can get access to a favorite doctor or specialist.

With ever-changing co-pays, premiums, and the list of covered drugs, prescription drug plans can be very frustrating and difficult to navigate. But the good news is that more choices can also drive down prices, said, Bettie Hughes, a MMAP coordinator with the Senior Alliance, a federally funded Area Agency on Aging. The Senior Alliance serves seniors in western and southern Wayne County.

Seniors must look around and be weary of individuals trying to advantage: 75-year-old eyes don?t read small print like they used to, and the annual user?s manual from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is jargon-filled and confusing. It is also easy to be distracted by the noise of politicians? promises and predictions in an election year.

But as it stands, nothing has been changed to substantially change Medicare,?yet. As is, the idea of offering health insurance to Americans 65 and older and those with certain disabilities ? remains strong, according to Jo Murphy, director of the state MMAP program.

More Details: Important dates

Monday: Open enrollment begins for Medicare Advantage and Part D (drug) plans.
Dec. 7: Open enrollment ends for both.
Jan. 1: New coverage begins in 2013 plans.
Jan. 1-Feb. 14: Medicare Advantage customers can switch to Original Medicare.
Dec. 8-Nov. 30, 2013: Advantage customers can switch to a five-star rated plan.

More Details: About the categories of Medicare coverage

Part A: Provides coverage for hospital care, limited nursing home stays, hospice and some home health care. Most people who have been employed get Part A coverage without having to pay a monthly premium.
Part B: Many seniors purchase this coverage for their physician visits, outpatient services and some medical equipment. Enrollment typically is automatic once you qualify for Medicare. Recipients pay a monthly premium plus a typical 20% co-pay and costs.
Part C: Also known as Medicare Advantage, these plans are purchased through insurance companies and provide more comprehensive coverage. Options might include coverage for prescription and generic drugs, dental and vision care, contributions toward gym memberships, diet-related programs and other care. Medicare Advantage plans include all Part A and B coverage, so you don?t need the two basic plans if you have a Medicare Advantage policy.
Part D: Also known as a prescription drug plan, these policies pay for outpatient prescription and generic drug coverage. If you don?t sign up immediately for one of these plans when you reach age 65, you face penalties for joining later.
Medigap: A supplemental policy, offered by private insurers, that adds to coverage under Parts A and B.

Contact Michigan Elder Law attorney Christopher Berry to help you navigate the difficult decisions prompted by Medicare changes.

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Read more:
http://www.freep.com/article/20121014/FEATURES08/310140046/

Attorney Christopher J. Berry is a Metro Detroit estate planning and elder law lawyer who helps families, seniors, veterans and business owners with their important legal needs. Oakland County estate planning lawyer, Christopher Berry is a partner in the Bloomfield Hills law firm of Witzke Berry PLLC. Mr. Berry practices in the areas ofestate planning, business, probate, veterans benefits & Medicaid planning. Follow Christopher on Twitter@chrisberryesq

Source: http://michiganelderlawcenter.com/medicare-changes-tough-decisions/

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