Is Your Part D Giving You Everything?

Article submitted by Staff.
For more information on Part D, call 303-751-2436 or 1-877-287-6767 (toll free) or TTY: 1-888-803-4494 (toll free), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Since Medicare Part D went into effect on January 1, 2006, there has been a lot of confusion. People have signed up with a Part D plan only to find out later that all it covers is prescription medication. Below are some questions you might ask if you are considering changing or choosing a Part D Plan.

Ask if your Part D plan covers:

• Full health benefits like physicals
• Outpatient surgery and outpatient hospital services
• Routine hearing
• Routine Vision
• Podiatry Services
• Emergency coverage worldwide
• Part D prescription drugs with minimal copayments

Many Part D plans also offer extra benefits. Check to see if your Part D plan offers:

• Dental benefits
• Non-emergency transportation to plan-approved healthcare appointments
• Vision benefits
• Hearing benefits
• No hidden charges like expensive plan premiums

People who have Medicare Parts A&B and Medicaid usually qualify for Special Needs Medicare Advantage Plans. For individuals who qualify for Special Needs Plans, it is important to find a plan that is affordable and covers many benefits.

Colorado Access is a private, nonprofit health plan that has served the medical and behavioral health needs of the medically underserved for more than a decade. The company is sponsored by The Children's Hospital, Colorado Community Managed Care Network and University of Colorado Hospital/University Physicians, Inc.

Access Advantage offers other great benefits for no plan premiums or copayments, including:

• Up to $500 per year for dental care from Delta Dental of Colorado
• Up to $400 every three years for a hearing aid
• Up to $200 every two years for vision care
• 48 one-way non-emergency trips to plan-approved locations per year
• Up to 4 exams per year for routine podiatry (foot care)

Access Advantage, offered by Colorado Access, contracts with the Federal Government. Access Advantage contracts with Medicare each year. These benefits may not be available next year.