Tucson, AZ (PRWEB) October 21, 2013 -- Medicare’s annual “open enrollment” period is in its first week, running from October 15th to December 7th. Because this year’s enrollment overlaps with the beginning of the first-ever enrollment period for coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), aging experts are encountering many questions from seniors and family members. To clear up some common misperceptions, the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM) offers answers to key questions about Medicare’s open enrollment and the ACA.
“With all that has been happening in Washington, it is not surprising that there are a lot of questions out there. It is important to try to make sure seniors and their loved ones have the information they need to make smart decisions, and to avoid unnecessary worries,” said Jullie Gray, NAPGCM President.
- If I’m on Medicare, do I need to buy more or different health insurance to comply with the ACA?
People on Medicare have insurance and ARE NOT required to get any additional coverage beyond what they already have. The ACA only requires people who are currently uninsured to buy coverage or pay a penalty.
- Under the ACA, do I need to go online to re-enroll in my traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare prescription drug plan?
If you are enrolled in Medicare, you DO NOT need to re-enroll or take any additional action. If someone tells you to, it is likely a scam. Stay away.
- Are the new state health care exchanges and the new federal health insurance marketplace at http://www.healthcare.gov for seniors on Medicare?
The state and federal marketplaces are to help people without insurance find coverage. The website for seniors and other Americans enrolled in Medicare is http://www.Medicare.gov. You can go to this site to check your enrollment, find out about your coverage choices and prescription drug plans that are available to you, and find answers to other questions you may have about Medicare or private Medicare supplemental insurance, sometimes known as Medigap.
- When is the open enrollment period for Medicare?
The Medicare open enrollment period runs from October 15th through December 7th. It is the one time of year that seniors and others on Medicare can change their plans and/or prescription drug coverage during this time by visiting http://www.Medicare.gov. Enrollment for the ACA started October 1st and is entirely unrelated to Medicare Open Enrollment.
- With all the uncertainty in Washington D.C., the government shutdown and the debt ceiling, is my best course of action just sticking with the Medicare plan I have?
Your enrollment decisions need not be influenced by these current events. If you are happy with your current coverage, stick with what you have. But it makes sense to regularly review your options during the annual Medicare open enrollment period. For example, if your health has changed in a way that requires you to take new or more prescription drugs, comparing your current Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to other available options might save you money. Also, a new study finds that some Part D plans are raising their rates for 2014 by as much as 55 percent, while others are dropping their rates by as much as 38 percent. So comparing rates makes sense. Before making a change, discuss it with a trusted family member, friend or professional advisor.
- What should I do if I’m contacted about signing up for a health insurance plan?
According to Medicare officials, the Medicare open enrollment period is a time for higher risk of fraudulent activities. They remind us that it is against the law for someone who knows that you are on Medicare to try to sell you a Marketplace plan. DO NOT share your Medicare number or other personal information with anyone who knocks on your door or contacts you uninvited to sell you a health plan.
About NAPGCM
The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM) was formed in 1985 to advance dignified care for older adults and their families. Geriatric Care Managers are professionals who have extensive training and experience working with older people, people with disabilities and families who need assistance with caregiving issues. They assist older adults, who wish to remain in their homes, or can help families in the search for a suitable nursing home placement or extended care if the need occurs. The practice of geriatric care management and the role of care providers have captured a national spotlight, as generations of Baby Boomers age in the United States and abroad. For more information or to access a nationwide directory of professional geriatric care managers, please visit http://www.caremanager.org.
Noel Gerson, NAPGCM, http://www.caremanager.org, +1 (301) 320-2920, [email protected]
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