Things you need to know about Medicare.

Transcription

1 Things you need to know about Medicare

2 1OPTION Original Medicare We re here to help. Approaching 65 is an important milestone in life, and becoming eligible for Medicare is part of that. Whether you re seeking information about health care coverage or you re new to making health insurance decisions, chances are, the choices can be confusing. As you start to explore your options, you ll want to learn more about what Medicare offers. And what it doesn t. With Original Medicare, you will pay a share of the cost for your coverage. These costs can be high. So, if you re still working or are a public retiree or veteran, compare your current health plan coverage to Original Medicare. If you don t have other coverage, you may want to consider options that work with Medicare. Use this guide for an overview of your Medicare choices. Original Medicare is provided to qualified individuals when they turn 65. It covers you for many catastrophic health issues, including hospitalization. Medicare pays fees for your care directly to the doctors and hospitals you visit and you pay a premium, typically deducted from your social security check. This option provides you with flexibility in the choice of doctors, specialists and hospitals. However, expect to pay as much as 20% in out-of-pocket co-insurance for some benefits and services. You may also pay deductibles, which can further increase your financial responsibility. Advantages Visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare Helps with hospital costs Helps with doctor and outpatient care Disadvantages Doesn t cover all benefits, including prescription drugs Deductibles for some services Co-insurance up to 20% of your medical costs

3 OPTION 2 Medicare Supplements Some people choose to purchase a supplemental plan to cover some of the gaps in Original Medicare, such as deductibles and co-insurance costs. With supplements, you pay a monthly premium based on the amount of coverage you want to add. Generally, the more coverage you add, the higher the premium cost. These policies often don t cover prescription drugs, vision or dental care, hearing aids or eyeglasses. Advantages Disadvantages Covers some costs not covered by Original Medicare May cover additional deductibles, copayments and co-insurance Visit any doctor or hospital you choose that accepts Medicare Monthly premiums may be significant Not all costs for basic and routine health care may be covered Does not include prescription drug coverage Higher monthly costs for increased coverage

4 OPTION 3 Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans can provide a more affordable way to get comprehensive health care coverage. MAPD plans partner with a network of pre-approved physicians, specialists and hospitals that choose to serve people with Medicare. Prescription drug coverage is included, and you pay fixed copayments for most services. In some areas, MAPD coverage may be available for no monthly premium. However, not all MAPD plans are the same. Check to see if your preferred doctor or hospital is covered in the network. Then, compare plan benefits, copayment costs and services before you make a choice. Advantages Disadvantages Covers most of the gaps in Original Medicare Prescription drug coverage is included Low or no plan premiums and copayments for many plans Many plans provide coverage or optional supplemental coverage for vision, dental, hearing aids, glasses and worldwide care during travel You generally must choose physicians, specialists and hospitals within the plan s network Using a provider outside of the network can be costly

5 SCAN Health Plan An MAPD Plan with Heart At SCAN Health Plan, we put our heart into helping people with Medicare stay healthy and independent and have for more than 37 years. With over 24,000 physicians and specialists in our California and Arizona networks and multiple hospitals in your community, SCAN is more than just a Medicare Advantage health plan. We understand the coverage and care people need to age with dignity and independence, so we offer the benefits and services that people with Medicare want most. Take a Closer Look As you consider your Medicare options, we invite you to take a closer look at SCAN Health Plan. SCAN Advantages SCAN provides the comprehensive benefits and services people with Medicare use most SCAN contracts with over 24,000 physicians in California and Arizona. Your physician or specialist may already be a part of SCAN s network SCAN is a not-for-profit health plan dedicated solely to people with Medicare Every SCAN employee is trained to understand the needs of people with Medicare as they age SCAN consistently has high member satisfaction year after year

6 Let s have a conversation about your Medicare choices. Call toll-free a.m. 8 p.m. 7 days a week TTY Users: 711 Schedule an in-home appointment Attend an informational event near you You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. SCAN Health Plan is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract offered in California by SCAN Health Plan and in Arizona by SCAN Health Plan Arizona. Enrollment in SCAN Health Plan depends on contract renewal. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium, copayments and/or co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. Contact SCAN Health Plan for more information. There is no obligation to enroll. Y0057_SCAN_8795_2014F File and Use Accepted G8906