Understanding Medicare Health Plan Choices

• Who is eligible for Medicare health plan choices?
• What are the new plan choices?
• Does a Medicare beneficiary have to change his health plan?
• What are the new Medicare benefits?
• What financial help is available to Medicare beneficiaries?
• Who do I contact for more information?

Who is eligible for Medicare health plan choices?

The person that meets the following requirements:

• Has Medicare part (a) and (b);
• Doesn't have end stage renal disease at the time of enrollment;
• Lives in the geographical area the plan services;
• Fills out and signs all election forms and gives the plan information needed to join;
• Agrees to follow the plan's rules once the rules are explained; and
• Doesn't belong to more than one plan at a time.

What are the new plan choices?

The new health plan options for Medicare beneficiaries include original Medicare plan, original Medicare plan with supplemental policy, Medicare managed care plan, private fee-for-service plan, religious fraternal benefit society plan and Medicare medical savings account plan.

Does a Medicare beneficiary have to change his health plan?

No! If you are satisfied with the "Original Medicare" or "Medicare HMO" plan you have now, you do not have to change your health care plan!

What are the new Medicare benefits?

The new benefits include the following:

• Yearly mammograms, pap smear including pelvic and breast examination;
• Diabetes glucose monitoring and diabetes education; and
• Colorectal cancer screening, bone mass measurement, flu and pneumococcal pneumonia shots.

What financial help is available to Medicare beneficiaries?

The requirements for financial assistance are:

• Your monthly income must be less than $1,603.00 for a couple and $1,194.00 for an individual.
• In addition, your bank accounts, stocks, bonds, or other resources must be valued at less than $6,000.00 for a couple and $4,000.00 for an individual.

(Contact the District of Columbia's Welfare Office (202) 724-5188 or the Social Services Office (202) 727-5930, if you qualify for this type of financial help.)

Who do I contact for more information?

• Health Insurance Counseling Project (202) 739-0668;
• District of Columbia Office on Aging (202) 724-5626;
• DC Department of Insurance and Securities Regulations (202) 727-8000;
• Trailblazers (410)316-7511; and
• Internet: visit the Medicare website at http://www.medicare.gov