State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations s1

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

Department of Human Services Division of Elderly Affairs

BY: Larry Grimaldi, Chief of Information & Public Relations 462-0509 [email protected] RELEASE: Friday, September 19, 2014

KNOW THE BASICS OF MEDICARE BEFORE OPEN ENROLLMENT

CRANSTON --- Soon, Medicare beneficiaries will find their mail boxes full of brochures, fact sheets, and other advertisements pointing out the features of that company’s Medicare Advantage, Medicare supplement (Medigap), or Medicare prescription drug (Medicare Part D) plans. That’s because the annual Medicare open enrollment period is just around the corner. Medicare open enrollment begins on October 15 and runs through December 7. Open enrollment is an opportunity to look at your Medicare health insurance and Part D plans to make sure that you are getting the best coverage for your health care dollars. Shortly, you will be receiving your 2015 Medicare and You handbook. Your current Medicare health plans and Part D plans will also be mailing you the Annual Notice of Change letters and benefit summary information, and premiums being charged, if applicable, effective on January 1, 2015. Read the information from Medicare and your plans carefully. To understand Medicare health insurance plans, you must first understand the basics of Medicare. Medicare is the nation’s health insurance program for people 65 and older, and younger people who are disabled or who have end stage renal disease. Medicare consists of four parts: Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Medical Insurance), Part C (Medicare Advantage Insurance Plans) and Medicare Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Plans). Almost all persons age 65 an older are automatically entitled to Medicare Part A if they or their spouse are eligible for Social Security or Railroad Retirement.

-more- Rhode Island Senior Beat-Friday, September 19, 2014-medicare basics-page 2 Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility, home health and hospice care. Part B is optional insurance that complements Part A coverage. Part B covers physician services, outpatient hospital services, home health, durable medical equipment, laboratory and x- rays, ambulance and other services. In most cases, there’s no cost for Part A; however it requires cost sharing, such as deductibles, co-payments, and coinsurances. Those who enroll in Part B pay a monthly premium, currently $104.90 for most beneficiaries. Some beneficiaries with higher incomes may pay a higher Part B premium. It is important to note that Medicare will not cover all of your medical expenses. For persons with Original Medicare, Parts A and B, there are two ways of obtaining additional health insurance coverage. Medicare supplement insurance, sometimes referred to as Medigap insurance, is private health insurance designed to supplement Medicare benefits. As a general rule, if Medicare pays for a medical service or device, the supplemental insurance will pays its portion of the cost. Medigap insurances assess monthly premium fees. Other costs may apply. Read the plan’s material carefully before you enroll. Beneficiaries can also choose to get their Medicare coverage by joining a Medicare Advantage Plan, commonly referred to as Medicare Part C. By joining a Medicare Advantage plan, you generally agree to get your medical services and supplies from a network established by that particular plan. Usually, the beneficiary will pay a monthly premium, and have deductibles, co-payments, or coinsurances. Costs and coverage vary according to the plan. Beneficiaries should also consider purchasing a Part D plan to help them with the cost of prescription medications. Coverage is available for both generic and brand name medications. Premiums, deductibles and co-payments may apply. One important word of caution-if you choose a Medicare Advantage plan for your healthcare coverage, your Part D plan must be purchased from the same plan. For more information about Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or go online to medicare.gov. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. At the beginning of October, we’ll cover the annual Medicare open enrollment period. -more- Rhode Island Senior Beat-Friday, September 19, 2014-medicare basics-page 3

The Senior Journal cable television program is devoted to exploring issues of growing older, and the challenges faced by adults with disabilities in Rhode Island. The Senior Journal is produced by senior volunteers and adults with disabilities, and is sponsored by the Rhode Island Department of Human Services, Division of Elderly Affairs, with the support of Rhode Island Public, Education, and Government Access Television. Programs are broadcast on Sundays at 5:00 p.m., Mondays at 7:00 p.m., and Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. over statewide interconnect cable channel 13 and Verizon channel 32. From September 21 through October 7, Cranston Senior Services will be aired. Paul Roberti of East Providence, Senior Journal chairperson and producer, interviews Sue Stenhouse, Executive Director of Cranston Senior Services. For more information about Senior Journal, or if you are interested in joining the Senior Journal volunteer production crew, call 401-462-0509. -END-

The Rhode Island Department of Human Services, Division of Elderly Affairs is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive system of programs and services for Rhode Islanders ages 60 and older and for adults with disabilities. Questions for Rhode Island Senior Beat or requests for additional information can be mailed to: Larry Grimaldi, Rhode Island Department of Human Services, Division of Elderly Affairs, 74 West Road, Cranston, RI 02920, or by calling 401-462-0509. Questions can also be faxed to 401-462-0503, or e-mailed to [email protected].