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MASSACHUSETTS HEALTH INSURANCE UPDATE FOR SENIORS
George L. Chimento
February 15, 2009
_______________________________________________________________
The Division of Insurance requires health insurers and HMOs to distribute a
very helpful publication, the Massachusetts Bulletin for People with Medicare to
seniors eligible for Medicare. The 32 page Publication has been updated and is
attached to the Division's Bulletin 2009-03. It supplements the Federal 128
page publication, Medicare & You. (Unfortunately, the Federal 64 page
Choosing a Medigap Policy is also required reading.)
Considering all the complexity, the Division does a good job with this.
Massachusetts seniors need a road map to find their way when there are
many -- frankly too many -- alternatives. Consider the various ways in which a
senior can obtain medical coverage:
-- Original Medicare (Parts A and B);
-- Original Medicare + Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap);
-- Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C);
-- Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Medicare Part D);
-- Employer or Union Health Coverage (including retiree health plans);
-- Prescription Advantage (the state prescription drug assistance program);
-- MassHealth (Medicaid) (for people with limited income and resources);
-- Senior Care Options (SCO) (an option for people with MassHealth);
-- PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly);
-- Veterans Health Benefits;
-- Military Benefits (TRICARE).
The Bulletin provides good information about these choices (except for
TRICARE, which the Division honestly admits is better explained by a veterans'
agent).The outline of Medicare supplemental coverage is invaluable, with
names of approved carriers and most recent premium levels for the
standardized Core and Supplement 1 levels of coverage authorized in
Massachusetts. Medicare Advantage plans and Part D pharmaceutical plans
are outlined in similar fashion. There's even a concise explanation of the
alphabet soup of health care: HMO, MSA, PPO, PFFS, SCO, and SNP.
At 32 pages, the Bulletin is still just a bare summary, and a typical senior will
flounder without an advisor. However, it's a good effort, and should help
seniors make what may be the most important decision for their later years.
_________________________________________________________
This article is provided as a courtesy and may not be relied upon as legal advice, or
to avoid taxes and penalties. Distribution to promote, market, or recommend any
arrangement or investment to avoid or evade taxes, including penalties, is
expressly forbidden. Any communication with the author as to its contents, does
not, of itself, create a lawyer-client relationship. Under the ethical rules applicable
to lawyers in some jurisdictions, this may be considered advertising.
[return to theworkplace.biz]
MASSACHUSETTS HEALTH INSURANCE UPDATE FOR SENIORS
George L. Chimento
February 15, 2009
_______________________________________________________________
The Division of Insurance requires health insurers and HMOs to distribute a
very helpful publication, the Massachusetts Bulletin for People with Medicare to
seniors eligible for Medicare. The 32 page Publication has been updated and is
attached to the Division's Bulletin 2009-03. It supplements the Federal 128
page publication, Medicare & You. (Unfortunately, the Federal 64 page
Choosing a Medigap Policy is also required reading.)
Considering all the complexity, the Division does a good job with this.
Massachusetts seniors need a road map to find their way when there are
many -- frankly too many -- alternatives. Consider the various ways in which a
senior can obtain medical coverage:
-- Original Medicare (Parts A and B);
-- Original Medicare + Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap);
-- Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C);
-- Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Medicare Part D);
-- Employer or Union Health Coverage (including retiree health plans);
-- Prescription Advantage (the state prescription drug assistance program);
-- MassHealth (Medicaid) (for people with limited income and resources);
-- Senior Care Options (SCO) (an option for people with MassHealth);
-- PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly);
-- Veterans Health Benefits;
-- Military Benefits (TRICARE).
The Bulletin provides good information about these choices (except for
TRICARE, which the Division honestly admits is better explained by a veterans'
agent).The outline of Medicare supplemental coverage is invaluable, with
names of approved carriers and most recent premium levels for the
standardized Core and Supplement 1 levels of coverage authorized in
Massachusetts. Medicare Advantage plans and Part D pharmaceutical plans
are outlined in similar fashion. There's even a concise explanation of the
alphabet soup of health care: HMO, MSA, PPO, PFFS, SCO, and SNP.
At 32 pages, the Bulletin is still just a bare summary, and a typical senior will
flounder without an advisor. However, it's a good effort, and should help
seniors make what may be the most important decision for their later years.
_________________________________________________________
This article is provided as a courtesy and may not be relied upon as legal advice, or
to avoid taxes and penalties. Distribution to promote, market, or recommend any
arrangement or investment to avoid or evade taxes, including penalties, is
expressly forbidden. Any communication with the author as to its contents, does
not, of itself, create a lawyer-client relationship. Under the ethical rules applicable
to lawyers in some jurisdictions, this may be considered advertising.
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