Research recommended when making Medicare decisions [Columbia Basin Herald, Moses Lake, Wash.]

Nov. 2—MOSES LAKE — Rolling up on retirement — or even just rolling up on 65 — brings with it certain rituals, among them deciding what to do about Medicare.

Medicare, of course, is health insurance for people 65 years of age and older, although it can be available to people younger than 65 if they meet qualifying criteria.

"When you apply for retirement or disability benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board) it also serves as your application for Medicare," according to information on the Medicare website. "Once you get approved for Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you'll automatically get Part A coverage, without having to pay a premium for it, once you're eligible for Medicare."

Medicare is made up of different types of coverage, designated by a letter. Part A is hospital insurance; Part B is health insurance. Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs, and then there's Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C.

Medicare Advantage is an insurance plan from a private company, approved by Medicare, that's an alternative to original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans also can provide coverage for additional benefits not covered by the original Medicare plan, such as dental and vision care, according to the Medicare website.

Larry Vander Giessen, an independent insurance agent in Quincy, said people could sign up through the Medicare website, www.medicare.gov, but many prefer to consult an expert.

"A lot of people like to go through their (insurance) agents because they get some help," Vander Giessen said. "It could get quite confusing,"

David Chandler, co-owner of Chandler Insurance Solutions in Moses Lake, said his customers say they get a lot of advertising and with it conflicting information, about Medicare.

"My advice would be to find a local agent, or a trusted agent, somebody that's real, that they know," he said.

"It's important to know that if you're going on Medicare, you get it right," Chandler said.

Vander Giessen and Chandler said Medicare Advantage plans are different, depending on the area where the patient lives. A plan advertised on Spokane or Seattle television might not be available in the same form in Grant or Adams counties.

People can search for plans available in their area by zip code, Vander Giessen said. And when checking on the available Medicare Advantage plans, people also should check with their physician to see if the practice accepts Medicare Advantage, he said.

When people are choosing a plan they should think about the future, and what they're planning to do in retirement. Vander Giessen cited plans to spend the winters down south as one example.

"It all depends on what their circumstances are," he said.

Regardless of which option people choose, it's important to apply during the proper enrollment period. For most people that's three months before their 65th birthday, the month of their birthday and three months after their birthday, Chandler said. The exception is people who are still working and getting health insurance through their employer and are working for a business with more than 20 employees. That exemption also applies to people who are getting health insurance through a spouse whose job meets the criteria.

The rules may be different for people who are working for a business with less than 20 employees, even if they're getting health insurance through work.

Failure to hit the window has consequences, and they can get expensive. People who don't apply during the window pay higher premiums.

"There are lifelong penalties if you're not on it when you should've been," Chandler said.

Both Chandler and Vander Giessen recommended periodic reviews of Medicare plans once the recipient has signed up.

"Things change. Every year things are changing," Chandler said.

Cheryl Schweizer may be reached at [email protected].

Need a hand?

Below is a listing of select community resources to assist seniors and their families who may be experiencing difficulties.

HEALTH INSURANCE — MEDICARE

Aging & Adult Care of Central Washington

1336 S. Pioneer Way, No. 103, Moses Lake

509-766-2568

www.aaccw.org

Community Health First

509-741-0776

HEARING ASSISTANCE

Inland Hearing Aids

827 S. Colonial Ave., Moses Lake

509-765-4467

National Association of the Deaf

1-800-214-3323

HEATING ASSISTANCE AND WEATHERIZATION

OIC of Washington

509-765-9206

www.yvoic.org

PUBLIC HEALTH

Grant County Health District

Ephrata

509-754-6060

Moses Lake

509-766-7960

After Hours

509-762-1160

RESPITE CARE

Aging & Adult Care of Central Washington

1336 S. Pioneer Way, No. 103

509-766-2568

www.aaccw.org

Assured Home Health & Hospice

1417 S. Pioneer Way, Moses Lake

509-766-2580

SENIOR CENTERS & MEAL SITES

Coulee City Senior Center

520 W Douglas St in Coulee City

509-632-8701

Ephrata Senior Center

124 C St NW, Ephrata

509-754-2382

www.ephrataseniorcenter.org

Grand Coulee Senior Center

203 Main St., Grand Coulee

509-633-2321

Lind Senior Center

117 N I St, Lind

509-677-3620

Moses Lake Senior Center

608 E 3rd Ave, Moses Lake

509-765-7809

www.moseslakeseniorcenter.org

Othello Senior Center

755 N 7th Ave, Othello

509-488-5700

Quincy Senior Center

522 F St SE, Quincy

509-787-3231

H.E. Gritman Senior Center

118 W. Main Ave., Ritzville

509-659-1921

www.facebook.com/HEGritmanSeniorCenter

Royal Slope Seniors

509-346-9482

Soap Lake Senior Center

121 Second Ave. SE, Soap Lake

509-246-1913

Warden Senior Center

115 N Oak Ave, Warden

509-349-2043

Washtucna Senior Center

287 S. Main St., Washtucna

509-646-3435

washtucnahistory.org

SENIOR ABUSE (ABUSE OF ELDERS)

Report Elderly Abuse Statewide

1-866-363-4276

SERVICES & GENERAL INFORMATION

Department of Social & Health Services

1-877-980-9220

Medicare Information

1-800-633-4227

Medicare Fraud

1-800-447-8477

Mental Health Ombuds Helpline

1-800-346-4529

OIC Utility Bill Assistance

509-765-9206

Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Moses Lake

1-855-853-7787

Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors Hotline

1-888-452-0731

Volunteer Chore Services, Adams County

509-647-5351

Washington State Health Plan Finder

1-855-932-4633

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