Local seniors upset about health insurance letters. Here’s what you need to know.
Perhaps one downside were letters sent a week ago to members of the CareMore Medical Advantage plan, which stirred confusion as Medicare's fall enrollment period drew to a close Friday.
Counselors who assist Medicare beneficiaries said the letters from physicians tied to
There is no reason for those patients to make any changes this fall, said
Under a contract,
Many patients thought they were up against Friday's enrollment deadline for making coverage changes for 2019.
"We are telling them that their doctors have not dropped them," said
In the health care industry, negotiations between provider groups and insurers sometimes result in expiration notices, but patients are typically informed 60 days before the contract is set to expire -- not a year in advance, Howell said. Even when patients receive a 60-day notice, the negotiating parties often work out a new agreement.
A regional manager for
"We are trying to work with them," said
AllCare didn't return messages from
One of the recent letters, sent to a 94-year-old woman in
The letter states that "in the foreseeable future (the doctor) may no longer be contracted with
The letter provided a phone number of an insurance agency that could help the patient compare other available Medicare Advantage plans, so the patient could keep her doctor. A customer service representative with the agency said the idea was to give people time in advance to choose another health plan that meets their needs.
Medicare Advantage health plans offer additional benefits and services on top of the basic benefits of Medicare, the federal health program for seniors 65 years and older. The plans are offered by eight approved carriers in
Howell said some
Profeta said three drop-in clients had questions about the letters Thursday and the office fielded calls from eight people Wednesday and Thursday. Some seniors who took their questions to
Profeta said any patients who felt pressured to change plans can reverse the decision during a Medicare Advantage special open enrollment
The special period is for one-time changes such as dropping a Medicare Advantage plan, switching to a new one, returning to original Medicare or signing up for Medicare prescription drug coverage.
Starting in
Starting in 2020, the "dual eligible" seniors can make a one-time choice for the year, Profeta said.
The Modesto HICAP office,
___
(c)2018 The Modesto Bee (Modesto, Calif.)
Visit The Modesto Bee (Modesto, Calif.) at www.modbee.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Bryce Miller: Anniversary of deadly San Luis Rey Downs fire strains still
Langley Speedway’s diverse 2019 schedule includes Denny Hamlin’s return and Monster Trucks
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News