April 2007 Vol. 26. No. 4

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.

Getting hands dirty: Stan Schmidt takesk kup where Verne Thornton left off
Ask HICAP: Be careful in choosing private Medicare plans
Join hands: Elders and youth work together
Special events and new activities at HSRC
Humboldt Classics: April is senior softball signup month
Make financial plans with your family

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Senior tax assistance
Ask HICAP Be careful in choosing private Medicare plans
by Anne Antoville

In January 2006 Humboldt County had private Medicare plans available for the first time. Last year there were four available. Beginning in January 2007, there are 20 private Medicare plans, also called Medicare Advantage plans, available for local beneficiaries.

If you sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan, original Medicare will no longer be your insurance carrier - the private insurance carrier will cover your claims. The Medicare Advantage plans still require you to pay your Medicare part B premium.

Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover the services which are covered by original Medicare, but they may cover the services at a different cost, or they may require prior authorization for some services such as medical equipment. Some plans may offer additional benefits that original Medicare does not offer.

You may not keep a Medigap plan if you get a Medicare Advantage plan. Many employer plans will not pay co-pays for Medicare Advantage plans.

Medicare Advantage plans and Medi-Cal

If you have Medi-Cal with Medicare, it currently covers your Medicare co-pays as long as you go to providers who accept Medi-Cal. According to Medi-Cal, Medi-Cal will not cover co-pays if you change your coverage to a Medicare Advantage plan.

Ask your doctor

According to the Humboldt-Del Norte Medical Society, many doctors will not accept the new Medicare Advantage plans. Be sure to check with your doctor before choosing a plan.

If you need help, call HICAP at 444-3000 in Humboldt or 464-7876 in Del Norte.