If you were born in 1943, like it or not, this is the year you turn 65. The good news is that you are reaching this milestone, as well as becoming eligible for the Medicare program, which until now has only been a deduction from your paycheck.
The bad news is you’ll see an increase in mail coming to your home. Some of this mail will be very important, such as the letter from Social Security you’ll receive a few months before your birthday. Make sure you open this letter as it will contain your red, white and blue Medicare card.
You will also receive other mailings advertising various Medicare supplemental plans (Medigap) and Medicare prescription drug plans. In addition, mail about various Medicare Advantage Plans will also grace your mailbox. Confusing? Yes, it is, but free, unbiased professional help is as close as your telephone.
In the 1990’s the Federal Government through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) encouraged all states to administer programs geared to serving the health insurance-related needs of older Americans and those with disabilities. Nebraska accomplished this through the Nebraska Department of Insurance which created the Senior Health Insurance Information Program commonly referred to as SHIIP.
In recent years the SHIIP organization coordinated with the University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension to offer workshops and enrollment events to help Medicare recipients understand the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003. This landmark legislation provides seniors and individuals with disabilities a prescription drug benefit, more choices and better benefits under Medicare. It also provides confusion to many Medicare recipients.
Specially trained SHIIP and UNL Extension staff members offer free assistance to help individuals understand their options under Medicare and to select the best and least expensive coverage for their needs.
I came into the Medicare information picture nearly four years ago when I started becoming what I call “Medi-educated.” It was a steep learning curve as I became familiar with Medicare, Medicaid, the early Medicare Prescription Drug Cards and now the Medicare Prescription Drug Plans. It has also become a very fulfilling part of my job as I help individuals through the insurance and Medicare maze. Last year I was asked to extend my outreach to individuals seeking help on these topics in Burt, Dodge and Washington Counties.
In Part II of “Medicare Information for You” we will explore the different parts of the Original Medicare program and Medicare Advantage programs. In the final installment we’ll cover information about the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan and Medicaid.
If you have questions on your Medicare or prescription drug plans you may call the area SHIIP office at: 1-800-234-7119 or contact me, Mary Loftis at the UNL Extension Office in Tekamah at 402-374-2929.
Written by: Mary Loftis, UNL Extension & SHIIP Volunteer
