Medicare plans offer options

Medicare plans offer options

BY PATRICE ST. GERMAIN • patrices@thespectrum.com • November 27, 2008

ST. GEORGE - 'Tis the season to think about shopping and for many, that doesn't mean for Christmas presents but insurance.

Open enrollment for insurance is now taking place not only for private companies but for those who have Medicare which closes its open enrollment period Dec. 31.

One of the big differences between employees who have to work through only a few options, there's much more for seniors and with significant increases in some plans, those covered under Medicare need to choose wisely or face often unpleasant consequences later.

In Washington County, people on Medicare who are bewildered by the choices can look to Linda Sappington, director of the Volunteer Center of Washington County who in the last few weeks has met with individuals and with groups of people to look at the options.

"One of the problems is that 2,500 Humana beneficiaries have received a letter that the rates are going up about 800 percent and that puts people in a panic mode," Sappington said.

Adding to the confusion is that only Humana clients in Washington County signed up for the Gold Choice Plan with the designation code H1804-180 is going up from $18 a month to $158.

Those using that specific plan, in Kane, Iron, Garfield or Beaver counties saw no change in their monthly premiums.

Ross McLerran, manager of media relations for Humana's coverage area, that includes Utah, said the increase in Humana's Medicare Advantage plans and premiums reflect the experience the company has had in recent years, the costs they have seen and what the company anticipates it will cost to administer the plans.

"Based on the costs we've seen over the past few years in Washington County, we've had to significantly increase the premium," McLerran said. "There are many other MA (Medicare Advantage) plan options for seniors in Washington County with lower monthly premiums and we are making sure our members in the area are aware of these options."

Medicare is a Health Insurance Program for people age 65 or older, some disabled people under age 65, and people of all ages with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure treated with dialysis or a transplant) according to the Medicare Web site.

The traditional Medicare has four parts including a part to cover hospitalization, doctor's care, prescription drugs and the Medigap or supplemental insurance section.

Three years ago, in addition to the prescription drug plans, came Medicare Advantage plans which took all the individual components of traditional Medicare into one program.

Sappington said these plans come with a wide variety of costs and coverage's including some with monthly premium costs from zero to $50.

"People can go with traditional Medicare with a supplement and a Med D plan for drug coverage for peace-of mind and security," Sappington said.

Sappington said some plans are better than others depending on medical and drug needs.

Chris Holliday, program director for the local Council on Aging said those needing assistance may go to any local senior center where they can be assisted on the computers to look at the various plans.

Holliday said people needing assistance should bring in a list of medications, their Medicare card along with information on supplemental insurance to help find options.

In the last few weeks Sappington has conducted two informational meetings and met with numerous individuals to discuss the plans and options and will hold more meetings.

Alyson Heyrend, communications director for Congressman Jim Matheson said the most important issue is for those on Medicare to have someone help them through the enrollment process if they are not confortable doing it.

"People can not be complacent and assume their plan will be the same," Heyrend said. "Once the enrollment is over, people will be stuck with a plan for a year."

http://www.thespectrum.com/article/20081127/NEWS01/811270339