|
Senior News December, 2004 Vol. 25. No. 12
Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.
|
|
|
Humboldt Senior Resource Center Back issues Table of Contents
Plus in this issue catch more news, opinions, features, book reviews, and event calendars.
Pick up a copy today! Better yet, subscribe and never miss an issue! Brought to you by 
|
Ask HICAP 2005 Medicare changes by Anne Antoville Important changes will occur in Medicare in 2005 and 2006. Beginning in January 2006, Medicare will offer Medicare Part D, which is a prescription drug benefit. Prescription Assistance in 2005 If you do not have a Medicare Discount Card, you may want to consider getting this card in 2005. The Medicare Discount Card can provide 10 to 15 percent savings on prescription costs. Some cards offer substantial savings for drugs manufactured by certain companies. You can compare cards using the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov or contact the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, 443-9747, for free assistance. New Costs in 2005 Your hospital deductible for Medicare Part A will increase from $876 to $912 and the skilled nursing co-pay for days 21 through 100 will increase from $109.50 per day to $114 per day this year. Medicare Part B will have new costs in 2005. Your deductible for Part B will increase from $100 per year to $110 per year. Your Part B monthly premium will increase about 17 percent from $66.60 to $78.20. Medicare beneficiaries pay 25 percent of the actual premium costs of Part B. According to CMS (the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services) the 17 percent hike in costs is due to a 1.5 percent increase in payments to doctors and higher payments to Medicare managed care plans (HMOs). New Benefits in 2005 Beginning in 2005, Medicare will provide preventive health screening for new beneficiaries within the first six months. Medicare will also provide cardiovascular screening and diabetes screening. When can I sign up for the Medicare Drug Benefit? You will not be able to sign up for the Medicare drug benefit, Medicare Part D, until November 15, 2005. You can sign up for this benefit without any penalty until May 15, 2006. Medicare Part D will have an additional premium. You will be able to contact HICAP for free assistance in making a decision regarding whether or not to take Medicare Part D. How can I sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan? If you live in Humboldt or Del Norte, you are not able to get a Medicare Advantage plan. Beneficiaries in Humboldt and Del Norte counties must use original Medicare. Anne Antoville is manager of the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), a program of the Area Agency on Aging. HICAP serves Humboldt and Del Norte counties. Call to make an appointment at 443-9747 in Humboldt and 464-7876 in Del Norte. |
Senior News