theworkplace.biz
MASSACHUSETTS HEALTH INSURANCE UPDATE FOR SENIORS
George L. Chimento
May 22, 2008
__________________________________________________________________
The Division of Insurance requires health insurers and HMOs to distribute a very
helpful publication, the Massachusetts Bulletin for People with Medicare to
seniors eligible for Medicare. The 29 page Publication has been updated and is
attached to the Division's Bulletin 2008-03. It supplements the Federal 120 page
publication, Medicare & You. (Unfortunately, the Federal 56 page Choosing a
Medigap Policy is also required reading.)
Considering all the complexity, the Division does a good job with this.
Massachusetts seniors need a road map to find their way when there are many --
frankly too many -- alternatives. Consider the various ways in which a senior can
obtain medical coverage:
• Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
• Original Medicare + Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)
• Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C)
• Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Medicare Part D)
• Employer or Union Health Coverage (including retiree health plans)
• Prescription Advantage (the state prescription drug assistance program)
• MassHealth (Medicaid) (for people with limited income and resources)
• Senior Care Options (SCO) (an option for people with MassHealth)
• PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly)
• Veterans Health Benefits
• Military Benefits (TRICARE)
The Bulletin provides good information about these choices (except for TRICARE,
which the Division honestly admits is better explained by a veterans' agent).
The outline of Medicare supplemental coverage is invaluable, with names of
approved carriers and most recent premium levels for the standardized Core and
Supplement 1 levels of coverage authorized in Massachusetts. Medicare
Advantage plans and Part D pharmaceutical plans are outlined in similar fashion.
There's even a concise explanation of the alphabet soup of health care: HMO, MSA,
PPO, PFFS, SCO, and SNP.
At 29 pages, the Bulletin is still just a bare summary, and a typical senior will
flounder without an advisor. However, it's a good effort, and should help seniors
make what may be the most important decision for their later years.
________________________________________________________________
This article is provided as a courtesy and may not be relied upon as legal advice, or to
avoid taxes and penalties. Distribution to promote, market, or recommend any
arrangement or investment to avoid or evade taxes, including penalties, is expressly
forbidden. Any communication with the author as to its contents, does not, of itself,
create a lawyer-client relationship. Under the ethical rules applicable to lawyers in
some jurisdictions, this may be considered advertising.
[return to theworkplace.biz]
MASSACHUSETTS HEALTH INSURANCE UPDATE FOR SENIORS
George L. Chimento
May 22, 2008
__________________________________________________________________
The Division of Insurance requires health insurers and HMOs to distribute a very
helpful publication, the Massachusetts Bulletin for People with Medicare to
seniors eligible for Medicare. The 29 page Publication has been updated and is
attached to the Division's Bulletin 2008-03. It supplements the Federal 120 page
publication, Medicare & You. (Unfortunately, the Federal 56 page Choosing a
Medigap Policy is also required reading.)
Considering all the complexity, the Division does a good job with this.
Massachusetts seniors need a road map to find their way when there are many --
frankly too many -- alternatives. Consider the various ways in which a senior can
obtain medical coverage:
• Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
• Original Medicare + Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)
• Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C)
• Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Medicare Part D)
• Employer or Union Health Coverage (including retiree health plans)
• Prescription Advantage (the state prescription drug assistance program)
• MassHealth (Medicaid) (for people with limited income and resources)
• Senior Care Options (SCO) (an option for people with MassHealth)
• PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly)
• Veterans Health Benefits
• Military Benefits (TRICARE)
The Bulletin provides good information about these choices (except for TRICARE,
which the Division honestly admits is better explained by a veterans' agent).
The outline of Medicare supplemental coverage is invaluable, with names of
approved carriers and most recent premium levels for the standardized Core and
Supplement 1 levels of coverage authorized in Massachusetts. Medicare
Advantage plans and Part D pharmaceutical plans are outlined in similar fashion.
There's even a concise explanation of the alphabet soup of health care: HMO, MSA,
PPO, PFFS, SCO, and SNP.
At 29 pages, the Bulletin is still just a bare summary, and a typical senior will
flounder without an advisor. However, it's a good effort, and should help seniors
make what may be the most important decision for their later years.
________________________________________________________________
This article is provided as a courtesy and may not be relied upon as legal advice, or to
avoid taxes and penalties. Distribution to promote, market, or recommend any
arrangement or investment to avoid or evade taxes, including penalties, is expressly
forbidden. Any communication with the author as to its contents, does not, of itself,
create a lawyer-client relationship. Under the ethical rules applicable to lawyers in
some jurisdictions, this may be considered advertising.
[return to theworkplace.biz]
