The Medicare Advantage medical coverage is offered by [...]]]> For seniors who want supplement insurance, many private insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage plans with low premiums. Eligible seniors include those enrolled in Medicare Part B. Premiums are offered at lower rates because the federal government provides insurance companies subsidies to enroll seniors in the medicare supplement plans.

The Medicare Advantage medical coverage is offered by private insurance companies and is an alternative to Medicare. The following types of Medicare Advantage plans all offer medical and drug coverage together, making it simpler to purchase one policy instead of several separate policies.

1)Medicare health maintenance organizations are less expensive, but there are limitations about going outside of the network of doctors and hospitals for medical treatment.

2)Preferred-provider organizations, have a network of preferred doctors and hospitals within a state. They allow patients to see providers out of the network at increased copayments.

3) Private fee-for-service plans allows the most freedom by letting the patient see any doctor of choice that accepts the health insurance. If you already have a doctor, make sure they participate as a provider before deciding on this type of coverage.

Many Medicare Advantage plans also include vision and dental coverage and have lower copays than Medicare. Although the co-pays for more expensive services such as hospitilization and surgery tend to be higher. If seniors have had hospitalizations in the past, make sure to check out the limitations on hospital coverage with the Medicare Advantage plans.

It is important to understand all the restrictions for Medicare Advantage plans before choosing. Take the time to ask a reputable insurance agent about all the Medicare options available and compare them with other types of supplemental insurance to make an informed decision about your medical coverage.

By Guest Writer: Elliot Bigman

The Medicare Advantage medical coverage is offered by [...]]]> For seniors who want supplement insurance, many private insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage plans with low premiums. Eligible seniors include those enrolled in Medicare Part B. Premiums are offered at lower rates because the federal government provides insurance companies subsidies to enroll seniors in the medicare supplement plans.

The Medicare Advantage medical coverage is offered by private insurance companies and is an alternative to Medicare. The following types of Medicare Advantage plans all offer medical and drug coverage together, making it simpler to purchase one policy instead of several separate policies.
1)Medicare health maintenance organizations are less expensive, but there are limitations about going outside of the network of doctors and hospitals for medical treatment.

2)Preferred-provider organizations, have a network of preferred doctors and hospitals within a state. They allow patients to see providers out of the network at increased copayments.

3) Private fee-for-service plans allows the most freedom by letting the patient see any doctor of choice that accepts the health insurance. If you already have a doctor, make sure they participate as a provider before deciding on this type of coverage.

Many Medicare Advantage plans also include vision and dental coverage and have lower copays than Medicare. Although the co-pays for more expensive services such as hospitilization and surgery tend to be higher. If seniors have had hospitalizations in the past, make sure to check out the limitations on hospital coverage with the Medicare Advantage plans.

It is important to understand all the restrictions for Medicare Advantage plans before choosing. Take the time to ask a reputable insurance agent about all the Medicare options available and compare them with other types of supplemental insurance to make an informed decision about your medical coverage.

By Guest Writer: Elliot Bigman

Below are a few of the [...]]]> In the state of Florida, almost one quarter of the residents are over the age of 60. Quality long-term care is very important for many of these older Floridians. The Florida Agency of Health Care Administration (AHCA) regulates Health Care Facilities throughout the state and also administers Florida’s Medicaid program.

Below are a few of the long term care facilities regulated through AHCA:

Assisted Living Facilities: Provides housing, meals and some personal services for residents. Residents have to meet certain functional criteria and must be ambulatory and able to perform daily living activities like eating and able to care for basic bodily functions. Bed ridden residents are not accepted. Medicaid will pay for such a facility if both the resident and facility are eligible.

Adult Day Care: These are less than 24 hour care facilities. They offer therapeutic programs impaired adults. These centers offer many activities such as exercise, education, health screening and behavior modification. These centers also serve as a reprieve to the primary caregivers. These programs may be covered by Medicaid.

Adult Family – Care Homes: These family-type living arrangements provide a private home for up to 5 aged or disabled people (not related). The owner lives with the residents. The residents must not be bed ridden and are subject to other criteria as described in Florida law. Adult family care homes are for residents that do not require more care than can be provided by the owners. In some cases Medicaid will pay if both the resident and the AFCH are eligible.

Hospice: Hospice is a program that coordinates professional services including nutritional counseling, pastoral services, social work, and many other services for the terminally ill. These services can be provided at the hospital, hospice facility or the patient’s residence.

Medicare or Medicaid will pay for these services if the patient is eligible.

By Guest Writer: Jessica Farrell

What will Medicare cover [...]]]> Medicare will not cover primary dental health care! Medicare does not pay for routine check-ups, cleanings or fillings. Medicare will cover some dental services if they are required to protect your general health, or if you need dental care in order for another health service that Medicare covers to be successful.

What will Medicare cover then?

*Examinations to determine the presence of gum disease prior to having major surgery.

* Surgery to treat fractures of the face or jaw.

*Examinations to determine the presence of diseases of the jaw, or any oral cancers.

Some Medicare Replacement policies cover routine dental services. Check with your plan to see what may be covered.

A good idea to supplement your overall health care would to purchase a stand alone dental plan. There are both PPO as well as HMO plans that can offer you low cost alternatives to the high cost of dental care. Most have detailed schedules of benefits, so you can see your costs before the procedure is done. These plans are available any time of year, can be purchased annually or month to month, and are extremely affordable.

For a free estimate, call or go to the online calculator to see how you can get the care you need at the price you feel comfortable with.

Tom

Dual eligibles are individuals who are entitled to Medicare Part A and/or Part B and are eligible for some form of Medicaid benefit.

Medicare – Medicaid Relationship

The Medicare Program (Title XVIII of the Social Security Act) provides hospital insurance, also known as Part A coverage, and supplementary medical insurance, also known as [...]]]> Medicare / Medicaid Dual Eligibles

Dual eligibles are individuals who are entitled to Medicare Part A and/or Part B and are eligible for some form of Medicaid benefit.

Medicare – Medicaid Relationship

The Medicare Program (Title XVIII of the Social Security Act) provides hospital insurance, also known as Part A coverage, and supplementary medical insurance, also known as Part B coverage. Coverage for Part A is automatic for people age 65 or older (and for certain disabled persons) who have insured status under Social Security or Railroad Retirement. Most people don’t pay a monthly premium for Par A. Coverage for Part A may be purchased by individuals who do not have insured status through the payment of monthly Part A premiums. Coverage for Part B also requires payment of monthly premiums.

People with Medicare who have limited income and resources may get help paying for their out-of-pocket medical expenses from their state Medicaid program. There are various benefits available to “dual eligibles” who are entitled to Medicare and are eligible for some type of Medicaid benefit. These benefits are sometimes also called “Medicare Savings Programs” (MSP).

For people who are eligible for full Medicaid coverage, the Medicaid program supplements Medicare coverage by providing services and supplies that are available under their states Medicaid program. Services that are covered by both programs will be paid first by Medicare and the difference by Medicaid, up to the states payment limit. Medicaid also covers additional services (e.g., nursing facility care beyond the 100 day limit covered by Medicare, prescription drugs, eyeglasses, and hearing aids).

Limited Medicaid benefits are also available to pay for out-of-pocket Medicare cost-sharing expenses for certain other Medicare beneficiaries. The Medicaid program will assume their Medicare payment liability if they qualify. Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMBs), with resources at or below twice the standard allowed under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program and income at or below 100% of the Federal poverty level (FPL), do not have to pay their monthly Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMBs), with resources at or below twice the standard allowed under the SSI program and income exceeding the QMB level, but less than 120% of the FPL, do not have to pay the monthly Medicare Part B premiums. Qualifying Individuals (QIs), who are not otherwise eligible for full Medicaid benefits and with resources at or below twice the standard allowed under the SSI program, will get help with their monthly Medicare Part B premiums, if their income exceeds the SLMB level, but is less than 135% of the FPL.

Individuals who were receiving Medicare due to disability, but have lost entitlement to Medicare benefits because they returned to work, may buy Medicare Part A. If the individual has income below 200% of the FPL and resources at or below twice the standard allowed under the SSI program, and they are not otherwise eligible for Medicaid benefits, they may qualify to have Medicaid pay their monthly Medicare Part A premiums as Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWIs).

To learn more about Medicaid eligibility and/or the Medicare Program, see Related Links Inside CMS at the bottom of the page.

Screening Tools

Screening tools are available to help assess an individual’s eligibility for a variety of governmental programs, including Medicaid and/or Medicare, by accessing the GovBenefits and BenefitsCheckUp websites. (See Related Links Inside CMS and Related Links Outside CMS at the bottom of page.)

Integrated Medicare and Medicaid Models

CMS has created a specific website to provide information about our initiative for Integrated Care programs. This website provides valuable resources regarding integrated Medicare and Medicaid programs for States, health plans, and providers.

Source www.medicare.gov

Medicare / Medicaid Dual Eligibles

Dual eligibles are individuals who are entitled to Medicare Part A and/or Part B and are eligible for some form of Medicaid benefit.

Medicare – Medicaid Relationship

The Medicare Program (Title XVIII of the Social Security Act) provides hospital insurance, also known as Part A coverage, and supplementary medical insurance, also known as Part B coverage. Coverage for Part A is automatic for people age 65 or older (and for certain disabled persons) who have insured status under Social Security or Railroad Retirement. Most people don’t pay a monthly premium for Par A. Coverage for Part A may be purchased by individuals who do not have insured status through the payment of monthly Part A premiums. Coverage for Part B also requires payment of monthly premiums.

People with Medicare who have limited income and resources may get help paying for their out-of-pocket medical expenses from their state Medicaid program. There are various benefits available to “dual eligibles” who are entitled to Medicare and are eligible for some type of Medicaid benefit. These benefits are sometimes also called “Medicare Savings Programs” (MSP).

For people who are eligible for full Medicaid coverage, the Medicaid program supplements Medicare coverage by providing services and supplies that are available under their states Medicaid program. Services that are covered by both programs will be paid first by Medicare and the difference by Medicaid, up to the states payment limit. Medicaid also covers additional services (e.g., nursing facility care beyond the 100 day limit covered by Medicare, prescription drugs, eyeglasses, and hearing aids).

Limited Medicaid benefits are also available to pay for out-of-pocket Medicare cost-sharing expenses for certain other Medicare beneficiaries. The Medicaid program will assume their Medicare payment liability if they qualify. Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMBs), with resources at or below twice the standard allowed under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program and income at or below 100% of the Federal poverty level (FPL), do not have to pay their monthly Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMBs), with resources at or below twice the standard allowed under the SSI program and income exceeding the QMB level, but less than 120% of the FPL, do not have to pay the monthly Medicare Part B premiums. Qualifying Individuals (QIs), who are not otherwise eligible for full Medicaid benefits and with resources at or below twice the standard allowed under the SSI program, will get help with their monthly Medicare Part B premiums, if their income exceeds the SLMB level, but is less than 135% of the FPL.

Individuals who were receiving Medicare due to disability, but have lost entitlement to Medicare benefits because they returned to work, may buy Medicare Part A. If the individual has income below 200% of the FPL and resources at or below twice the standard allowed under the SSI program, and they are not otherwise eligible for Medicaid benefits, they may qualify to have Medicaid pay their monthly Medicare Part A premiums as Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWIs).

To learn more about Medicaid eligibility and/or the Medicare Program, see Related Links Inside CMS at the bottom of the page.

Screening Tools

Screening tools are available to help assess an individual’s eligibility for a variety of governmental programs, including Medicaid and/or Medicare, by accessing the GovBenefits and BenefitsCheckUp websites. (See Related Links Inside CMS and Related Links Outside CMS at the bottom of page.)

Integrated Medicare and Medicaid Models

CMS has created a specific website to provide information about our initiative for Integrated Care programs. This website provides valuable resources regarding integrated Medicare and Medicaid programs for States, health plans, and providers. This website can be accessed under Related Links Inside CMS below.

However ,upon retirement, it is going to be up to you. You may not know it, but there are a variety of Medicare plans to consider.

As a representative of health care plans, and one who focuses on Medicare plan options,I can help provide you with [...]]]> During your working years,your employer probably provided your health plan options.

However ,upon retirement, it is going to be up to you. You may not know it, but there are a variety of Medicare plans to consider.

As a representative of health care plans, and one who focuses on Medicare plan options,I can help provide you with a no-obligation Medicare analysis.

Call me today to learn about the types of plans available to you. I’m certain I can help you review your options and find a plan that fits your retirement needs as well as your budget.

One of the fastest growing plans is a Medicare Advantage Plan that:

* has predictable monthly health premiums

*includes prescription drug coverage

*offers predictable payments for doctor office visits

*Eliminates the need for costly Medicare supplement (medigap) policy

*gives you better coverage than original medicare

Call today. I’m here to help

Tom

accepting assignment

In Part B, a doctor “accepts assignment” when he or she agrees to take payment of the Medicare-approved amount as payment in full for a service. If a doctor accepts assignment, your client’s [...]]]>

accepting assignment In Part B, a doctor “accepts assignment” when he or she agrees to take payment of the Medicare-approved amount as payment in full for a service. If a doctor accepts assignment, your client’s share of the cost is limited to their co-insurance payment (usually 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount). See also Medicare-approved amount annual election period The period from November 15 through December 31 of each year. During the annual election period, your client may enroll in any Medicare Advantage plan available to them, including prescription drug coverage. NOTE: The annual election period does not apply to Medicare supplement. Eligible applicants can enroll year round in a Medicare supplement plan. balance billing In Part B, an additional payment your client makes to a doctor who doesn’t accept assignment. The doctor may not bill your client more than an additional 15 percent of the Medicare-approved amount. Some states limit balance billing to a smaller percentage or forbid it entirely. Another name for balance billing is “excess charges”. See accepting assignment. brand-name drug A prescription drug that is sold under a trademarked brand name. See generic drugs. benefit period In Part A, a period of time that begins when your client enters a hospital and ends when your client has been out of the hospital for 60 days in a row. benefit period The way that the Original Medicare Plan measures use of hospital and skilled nursing facility (SNF) services. A benefit period begins the day a member goes to a hospital or skilled nursing facility. The benefit period ends when the member hasn’t had any inpatient hospital care (or skilled care in a SNF) for 60 days in a row. If one goes into a hospital or a skilled nursing facility after one benefit period has ended, a new benefit period begins. The member must pay the inpatient hospital deductible for each benefit period. There is no limit to the number of benefit periods, although inpatient mental health care in a psychiatric hospital is limited to 190 days in a lifetime. catastrophic coverage In Part D, a name for the step of a drug plan in which your client pays only a small co-insurance or small co-payment for a covered drug, and your client’s plan pays the rest of the cost for the remainder of the year. Your client reaches catastrophic coverage once they have spent $3,850 (2007) out-of-pocket for covered drugs in a single year. This limit will be $4,050 for 2008 plans. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) The federal government agency that runs the Medicare program, and works with the states to manage their Medicaid programs. co-insurance A kind of cost sharing where costs are split on a percentage basis. For example, Part B might pay 80 percent, and your client would pay 20 percent. coordinated care In Part C, health care plans that coordinate your care by the doctors and hospitals your client visits. These plans may have some restrictions on the doctors and hospitals your client can use for their care. You may also hear these plans referred to as “managed care” plans. copayment A kind of cost sharing where you pay a pre-set, fixed amount for each service. In a Part D plan, for example, your client might pay $10 for each prescription they receive. Sometimes called a “co-pay.” cost sharing A term for the way Medicare shares health care costs with your client. The most common types of cost sharing are deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance. coverage gap A name for the step in a Part D plan in which your client pays all of their expenses for eligible drugs, until they have spent $3,850 (2007) in a single year. For 2008, this limit will be $4,050. Some people call this coverage gap the “doughnut hole.” Creditable Coverage Certain kinds of previous health insurance coverage that can be used to shorten a pre-existing condition waiting period under a Medigap policy. Also, please see ’creditable drug coverage’ below. creditable drug coverage Prescription drug coverage, from a plan other than a Part D stand-alone plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage, which meets certain Medicare standards. If your client is currently enrolled in a drug plan that gives them prescription drug coverage, their plan will tell you if it meets the Medicare standards for creditable drug coverage. custodial care Care that provides help with the activities of daily life, like eating, bathing, or getting dressed. Most long-term care is custodial care. deductible A kind of cost sharing where your client will pay a pre-set, fixed amount first, before Medicare or other insurance starts to pay. In Part B in 2007, for example, your client must pay a deductible of $131 for the year. The deductible is $135 for 2008. dual eligible A person who is eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. excess charges If the member is in the Original Medicare Plan, this is the difference between a doctor’s or other health care provider’s actual charge (which may be limited by Medicare or the state) and the Medicare-approved payment amount. generic drug Prescription drugs that have the same active ingredient formula as a brand-name drug. Generic drugs usually cost less than brand-name drugs and are rated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be as safe and effective as brand-name drugs. guaranteed renewable policy A feature of Medigap policies. A “guaranteed renewable” policy must be renewed by the company automatically each year, so long as your client pays the premium and don’t commit any fraud on the insurance company. guaranteed issue rights Rights the member has in certain situations when insurance companies are required by law to sell or offer a Medigap policy. In these situations, an insurance company can’t deny the prospect a Medigap policy, or place conditions on a Medigap policy, such as exclusions for pre-existing conditions, and can’t charge the prospect more for a Medigap policy because of past or present health problems. Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plan In Part C, a type of Medicare Advantage plan in which your client must use doctors and hospitals in the plan’s network for your client’s care. If your client goes outside the network, they are responsible for paying for their own care. high deductible Medicare Advantage plans A health insurance plan in which your client pays a significant deductible (usually more than $1,000) before the plan begins to help with your client’s costs. See Medical Savings Accounts Plans. home health care In Part A and Part B, skilled nursing care and therapy, such as speech therapy or physical therapy, provided to the homebound on a part-time or intermittent basis. hospice care Care for those who are terminally ill. Hospice care typically focuses on controlling symptoms and managing pain. In Part A, hospice care also includes support services for both patient and caregivers. Part A covers both hospice care received at home and care received in a hospice outside the home. initial enrollment period A seven-month period that begins three months before the month of your client’s eligibility for Medicare, and ends three months after the month of your client’s eligibility. During your client’s initial enrollment period, your client will be able to sign up for plans that may either be unavailable or cost more if they wait until later to join. inpatient care Care your client receives in a hospital when they are admitted for an overnight stay. lifetime reserve days In Part A, a reserve of 60 days of care that Part A will pay for during your client’s lifetime. Your client can choose to use lifetime reserve days any time they stay in a hospital longer than 90 days. A lifetime reserve day cannot be replaced. When it is used up, it is gone. long-term care Care that gives help with the activities of daily life, like eating, dressing, and bathing, over a long period of time. Most long-term care is custodial care. See custodial care. Medicaid A program that pays for medical assistance for certain individuals and families with low incomes and few resources. Medicaid is jointly funded by the federal and state governments and managed by the states. Medicaid includes programs that help eligible persons pay Medicare premiums and cost sharing. See dual eligible and Medicare Savings Program. Medical Savings Account (MSA) Plans In Part C, a type of Medicare Advantage plan that combines a special bank savings account for your client’s medical expenses with a high deductible Medicare Advantage plan. See also high deductible Medicare Advantage plans. Medically Necessary Care Services or supplies that are needed to diagnose or treat a medical condition, according to the accepted standards of medical practice. Medical Underwriting The process that an insurance company uses to decide, based on a prospect’s medical history, whether or not to take an application for insurance, whether or not to add a waiting period for pre-existing conditions (if that state law allows it), and how much to charge the prospect for that insurance. Medicare A federal government health program for people 65 or older, people under age 65 with certain disabilities, for people of all ages with end-stage renal disease. (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or kidney transplant) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Medicare Advantage A type of Medicare plan offered by a private company. In Medicare Advantage plans, a single plan provides your client with both hospital and doctors’ care. Many Medicare Advantage plans also include prescription drug coverage. Medicare Savings Program Medicaid program that helps eligible people pay some or all Medicare premiums and deductibles. Medicare Select A special type of Medigap policy that requires your client to use specific hospitals, and in some cases, specific doctors, to get your client’s full insurance benefits (except in an emergency). Medicare-approved amount The amount of money that Medicare has approved as the total amount that a doctor or hospital should be paid for a particular service. The total amount includes what Medicare pays, plus any cost sharing your client pays. Medicare supplement insurance Also called Medigap. An insurance policy your client buys from a private insurance company that pays for some or all of the cost sharing, or gaps in coverage, such as deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance, in Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. Medigap policies are available in up to 12 standard types, or “plans”. Each plan is named with a letter of the alphabet. Don’t confuse Plans A, B, C, and D with Part A, B, C, and D of Medicare. Network In Part C and D, the group of providers, such as pharmacists, doctors and hospitals, who agree to provide care to the members of a Medicare Advantage coordinated care plan or Prescription Drug Plan. These providers are called “network providers” or “network pharmacies”. Original Medicare Plan The Original Medicare Plan has two parts: Part A (Hospital) and Part B (Medical). It is a fee-for-service health plan. Medicare pays its share of the Medicare-approved amount, and the member pays their share (coinsurance and deductibles). open enrollment period The period January 1 through March 31 of each year. During the open enrollment period your client may switch from some types of Medicare plans to other like plans or return to Original Medicare. Your client may not add or drop prescription drug coverage during this period. outpatient care Care your client receives as a hospital patient if your client doesn’t stay overnight, or care your client receives in a free-standing surgery center where your client doesn’t stay overnight. out-of-pocket maximum A limit that some plans set on the amount of money your client will have to spend out of your client’s own pocket. In Part D, this is the maximum amount of money your client will have to spend out of their own pocket before catastrophic coverage begins. See catastrophic coverage. PACE An abbreviation for Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly. A program that helps frail seniors live independently in their communities for as long as possible by providing them with a combination of medical, social, and long-term care services. PACE is available only in states that have chosen to offer it as part of their Medicaid program. See Medicaid. Part A The part of Original Medicare that provides help with the cost of hospital stays, skilled nursing services following a hospital stay, and some other kinds of skilled care. Don’t confuse this with a Medigap Plan A, which is a type of Medigap policy. Part B The part of Original Medicare that provides help with the cost of doctor visits and other medical services that don’t involve overnight hospital stays. Part C The part of Medicare that offers plans that combine help with hospital costs with help for doctor’s visits and other medical services. Part C plans are referred to as “Medicare Advantage” plans. See also Medicare Advantage. Part D The part of Medicare that offers help with the cost of prescription drugs. Your client can get Part D coverage as part of a Medicare Advantage Plan, or as a stand-alone drug plan. Point-of-Service (POS) Plan In Part C, a type of Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan that lets your client use doctors and hospitals outside the plan if your client pays more. See Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plan. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) In Part C, a type of Medicare Advantage plan in which your client can use either preferred doctors or hospitals, or go to non-preferred doctors and hospitals. If your client uses non-preferred providers, though, they will usually pay a larger share of the cost of their care. premium A fixed amount your client has to pay monthly to participate in a plan or program; in private insurance, the price your client pays monthly for a policy. prescription drug plan (PDP) In Part D, a stand-alone insurance policy that helps with the cost of prescription drugs. preventive care Care that is meant to keep your client healthy, or to find illness early, when treatment is most effective. Examples of preventive care are flu shots, screening mammograms, and diabetes screenings. Pre-existing Condition A health problem a member had before the date that a new insurance policy starts. Private Fee-For-Service Plan (PFFS) In Part C, a type of Medicare Advantage plan in which there is usually no network of providers and your client may visit any Medicare-eligible provider who is willing to accept plans, payments, and conditions. service area In Part C and Part D, the area where a Medicare Advantage plan or a Prescription Drug Plan offers service. A service area is typically a county, state, or region. skilled nursing care Nursing care which should be provided only by a licensed nurse. Special Needs Plan (SNP) A type of Medicare Advantage plan that serves people with special health care needs. State Health Insurance Assistance Program A state program that gets money from the Federal government to give free local health insurance counseling to people with Medicare. State Insurance Department A state agency that regulates insurance and can provide information about Medigap policies and other private insurance. step therapy In Part D, a special procedure your clients and their doctors must follow before your client can use certain drugs. Your client must first try a less-expensive drug to see if it works. Your client may “step up” to a more expensive drug that treats the same condition only if your client and their doctor can show that the less-expensive drug didn’t work for your client.

]]> http://tommilonas.com/2008/04/medicare-terms-acronyms-and-definitions/feed/ 0 http://tommilonas.com/2008/01/help-with-prescription-drug-costs/ http://tommilonas.com/2008/01/help-with-prescription-drug-costs/#comments Sat, 12 Jan 2008 23:31:11 +0000 Tom Milonas http://tommilonas.com/2008/01/12/help-with-prescription-drug-costs/ Help us find Medicare beneficiaries who might qualify for extra help with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs. We are asking family members, caregivers [...]]]> Help us find Medicare beneficiaries who might qualify for extra help with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs. We are asking family members, caregivers and third parties to help anyone who might qualify apply for the extra help. If you know a Medicare beneficiary who might qualify or if you think you might qualify yourself, visit our electronic leaflet for more information.