I am very confused about Medicare. It used to be more simple. I went to a doctor who accepted Medicare; he or she took care of me. Medicare paid part of the bill; I paid any remaining charges. Now there are supplemental insurance, HMOs, Medicare savings accounts and maybe more. I just don't know where to begin deciding what's best for me.
The good news is that if you are happy with your current health care, you don't have to do anything. If you do nothing, the way you receive your health care will not change.
Starting in 1999, Medicare offers more health plan choices. One of the new choices may be right for you. The choice is yours. No matter what you decide, you are still in the Medicare program.
All Medicare health plans must provide all Medicare covered services. However, all Medicare health plan choices may not be available in your area.
Different health plan choices may affect your:
- Cost -- what you pay.
- Extra benefits: what extra benefits you get, like prescription drugs.
- Providers: how much choice you have among doctors, hospitals and other health care providers.
Let me give you two suggestions for researching this rather complicated choice.
The first is the SHICK Program in Kansas. SHICK is the abbreviation for Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas, administered by the Kansas Insurance Department. Trained SHICK volunteers will help you analyze your personal situation, consider future implications and understand what the various plans offer -- all at no cost and with no attempt to sell you a health-care product.
Volunteers are well versed in the latest Medicare information and plan choices -- and the service is absolutely free and confidential. You won't find anything like dealing with an insurance sales person. To locate the SHICK office in your area, call the Kansas toll-free number, (800) 860-5260.
The second suggestion is that you write for two new publications from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. They are also free:
- "Learning About Medicare Health Plans," Publication No. HCFA-10114.
- "Medicare: Worksheet for Comparing Medicare Health Plans," Publication No. HCFA-10113.
These publications are available by writing to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Care Financing Administration, 7500 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21244-1850.
-- If you have questions or comments for "Sense for Seniors," write to Betty Gibb, Kansas Senior Press Service, 11875 S. Sunset, Suite 200, Olathe 66061.
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