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Issues Facing Seniors
With all the changes that senior citizens are facing with Health Care Reform, Medicare and Medicaid, it's important for seniors to know the basics. There have been a lot of rumors, even sugar-coating, in the press and this article is meant to separate fact from fiction.
Some of the following articles address some specific health reform issues that are facing seniors:
- Home Healthcare, Medicare, and Health Reform
- Health Reform and Prescription Drugs
- Changes to the Prescription Drug Doughnut Hole
- Debunking Myths and Rumors about Senior Health Reform
While some of the most talked-about web sites for Health Care Reform, Medicare, and the AARP offer information regarding the systemic changes resulting from the legislation, they still leave a lot of questions unanswered. For instance, the reduced payment reimbursements to Medicare Advantage providers will save Medicare money and help keep it solvent in the long run; however, premiums may still go up and benefits reduced in these plans as a result.
Senior Health Reform – Basic Issues
- The CLASS Act: For those planning retirement, make sure to stay on top of details of this program as it rolls out over the next year, as workers may want to delay retirement plans since it provides long term disability policies for those in the work force, but workers must be employed at least three years and pay premiums for five years before being 'vested' in the program;
- Donut Hole Coverage: Look for a $250 rebate this year if you fall into the no coverage zone of Medicare's Plan D prescription coverage;
- Expanded Medicaid coverage and income limitation changes; and
- Demonstration and Pilot Programs: Slated to roll out over the next several years. Many are aimed at increasing home health care benefits for seniors.
* You may be able to get extra help to pay for your prescription drug premiums and costs. To see if you qualify for getting extra help, call:
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY/TDD users should call 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day/7 days a week;
The Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY/TDD users should call, 1-800-325-0778; or Your State Medicaid Office
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