Area VI Agency on Aging News

Important things to keep in mind for 2011:

Resource amounts for the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) Extra Help program have been increased for 2011 to help people with prescription drug premiums, deductibles and copayments.

Starting Jan. 1, the resource levels are $8,180 for individuals ($13,020 if married) for full LIS and $12,260 ($25,260 if married) for partial LIS. Qualifying income levels will remain at 2010 levels. If you have not qualified in the past, this might be a good time to take a look and see if you are now eligible.

Dec. 31 is the deadline for getting or changing your Medicare Part D plan for 2011. Don’t delay! If you need help doing a plan comparison call the Area VI Agency on Aging at 1-800-266-4188 and ask for a State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) counselor.

If you have lost your Medicare Advantage plan and don’t wish to sign up for an advantage plan still available in your county, you do have another option. There is a one-time guaranteed issuance period ending March 4 for Medicare Supplemental plans. Medicare Supplemental plans do not have networks so if your doctor and/or hospital accepts Medicare, you are covered.

From Jan. 1 through Feb. 14, there will be a Medicare Advantage (MA) Disenrollment Period for people who are unhappy with their Medicare Advantage plan. They are allowed to switch to Original Medicare and may also add Medicare prescription drug coverage even if their MA plan did not include drug coverage. Unlike past years, people in MA plans CANNOT change to another MA plan. People with Original Medicare only CANNOT make any changes during this disenrollment period.

Medicare Advantage plans may NOT:

• Solicit Medicare beneficiaries door-to-door

• Send unsolicited e-mail

• Enroll people by phone — unless the person calls them

• Offers cash payments as an inducement to enroll

• Provide free gifts or meals when trying to sell plans

• Misrepresent or use high-pressure sales tactics

If you feel that a plan has not been following the rules, please report them to the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) person at the Area VI Agency on Aging at 1-800-266-4188.

- courtesy of Ophie Keene