Information Directly from the Secretary of Health and Human Services You Need to Know!
The new health care law will start rolling out soon. Here are a few of the important pieces for seniors.
Firstly, there will be more accountability throughout the health care system so that you, your family, and your doctor, not insurance companies, have greater control over your care.
- These improvements will keep Medicare strong and solvent
- Guaranteed Medicare benefits won’t change-whether you get them through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. And, you will see new benefits and cost savings
- More affordable prescription drugs
- Next year you get free preventative care services like cancer and mammogram screenings plus a free annual physical
- The new law levels the playing field and gradually eliminates Medicare Advantage overpayments to insurance companies
- New voluntary insurance program called CLASS to help pay for long-term care and support at home
- Individuals on Medicaid will receive improved home- and community-based care options, and spouses of people receiving home- and community-based services through Medicaid will no longer be forced into poverty
- New tools and resources in the Elder Justice Act, which was included in the new law, will help prevent and combat elder abuse and neglect, and improve nursing home quality.
- Insurance companies will be prohibited from denying coverage due to a pre-existing condition for children starting in September, and for adults in 2014.
- Insurance companies will be banned from establishing lifetime limits on your coverage, and use of annual limits will be limited starting in September
What Stays the Same:
- The guaranteed Medicare benefits you currently receive will remain the same. During open enrollment this fall, you will continue to have a choice between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare will continue to cover your health costs the way it always has, and there are no changes in eligibility.
- If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you will still receive guaranteed Medicare benefits.
- Your choice of doctor will be preserved- the law increases the number of primary care doctors, nurses and physician assistants to provide better access to care
Read the full brochure online!
Call 1-800-MEDICARE or go on-line at Medicare.gov if you have questions or concerns. Don’t give your personal Medicare information to anyone who isn’t a trusted source.
