BackChanges - What do the new changes to Medicare mean for you?
Article submitted by Humana, Inc. For information call 1-800-889-0301 or visit www.Humana.com.
The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 went into effect Jan. 1, 2006. The changes extend new benefits and options to everyone who has Medicare coverage, including:
1. New covered preventive services to help you stay healthy
* "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam.
During the first six months of your Medicare coverage under Part B, you can have a free preventive physical exam including an EKG, education, and counseling.
* Cardiovascular screening blood tests.
Medicare will pay for blood tests to check your cholesterol, lipid or triglyceride levels, and other tests to detect or identify a high risk for developing cardiovascular disease.
* Diabetes screening tests.
Medicare will pay for diabetes screening tests, including fasting plasma glucose tests and diabetes self-management training.
2. Expanded Medicare coverage options
* Medicare Managed Care Plans (HMOs).
These plans have fixed out-of-pocket costs, which can help you predict how much your health care will cost.
* Medicare Preferred Provider Organization Plans (PPOs). These plans give you freedom to choose your providers, plus the opportunity to save money when you visit certain doctors and hospitals.
* Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans.
These plans are flexible and affordable, and you don't have to choose from a list of doctors and hospitals.
3. Prescription drug plan coverage
Most people with Medicare coverage need prescription drug coverage, too. Joining a Medicare prescription drug plan protects you from high out-of-pocket costs and helps you afford your medications.
* How you can get Medicare prescription drug coverage
To take advantage of the new Medicare prescription drug coverage, you have to join an approved Part D plan offered by a private insurance company, such as Humana. If you already have a Medicare Advantage Plan through a private insurance company like Humana, keep something in mind: choosing the prescription drug benefit requires you to drop your Medicare Advantage coverage if you have a plan with prescription coverage.
* When you're eligible
If you currently have Medicare coverage, you can join a prescription drug plan on Nov. 15, 2006. You may be able to enroll sooner if you qualify under special circumstances.
* What it costs
Coverage and costs for Medicare prescription drug plans vary according to the plan you join. But if you join a plan when you first become eligible, you pay a lower Medicare premium than if you enroll later.