TOPIC: Medicare and the Health Care Reform Bill
QUESTION: I’ve heard so many different things about how the new health care reform bill will affect my Medicare. Can you tell me what changes to expect?
ANSWER: There are no drastic changes taking effect and all changes benefit you.
There are no changes to your Medicare Parts A and B benefits.
If you have a Medicare Part D prescription plan and enter the coverage gap or “Donut Hole” this year (2010) you will receive a $250 rebate. The rebate will increase over the next several years and eventually the coverage gap will be eliminated in 2020.
The Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare Part D Prescription Plans and Medicare Advantage plans has been changed and extended for 2011. The Annual Enrollment Period for 2011 will begin October 15th and go through December 7th. The Annual Enrollment Period for 2010 remains the same, November 15th through December 31st. There will be a reduction in the number of plans offered and companies offering plans that begin January, 2011.
New plan models for Medicare Supplement Plans C and F will be developed and implemented by 2015.
Safeguards have been put in to place to prevent overpayments from the government to Medicare Advantage Plans as well as assure Medicare Advantage Plan members are receiving adequate care under these plans.
If you would like more details on any of the provisions of the Health Care Reform Bill that affect your Medicare benefits you may ask a specific question or request a scheduled time to talk with me by clicking Ask A Question.
SOURCE: http://www.medicare.gov/ , search for Publication 11467. If you are currently enrolled in Medicare, you should have received this publication in the mail.
