If Medicare coverage weren’t already confusing enough, new legislation passed last year to upgrade the program has many recipients scratching their heads. But not to worry, said Andrew Crocker, Texas Cooperative Extension gerontology health specialist. Clarification is just a click away, thanks to the World WideWeb.Medicare is the federal health care program designed for people age 65 and older and those who are disabled. That hasn’t changed.
What has changed are some of the benefits included in Medicare coverage, Crocker said. For instance, new drug discount cards for Medicare beneficiaries will be available this year. These cards will provide discounts of 10 percent to 25 percent for prescription drugs until the newly authorized Medicare prescription drug benefit starts in 2006. Beneficiaries should be aware that prescription drug card scams are already operating, even though there are currently no approved drug discount cards from Medicare. If you are approached by someone selling cards and asking for personal information, you are encouraged to call local authorities to verify their identity prior to providing any personal information.
Other changes expected in 2006 include:
- Health Savings Accounts, in which participants are allowed to divert their savings for later health care expenses.
- More Medicare Advantage plan choices including preferred provider organization (PPO) plans that allow a wide choice in medical care providers
- Prescription drug benefit plans that will include monthly permiums and a $250 deductible. Other options may be available, such as extra help for those with higher financial need. Depending on income, some patients will pay only a co-payment for each prescription, while others may receive help paying either the premiums or the deductible.
- A new one-time, preventative wellness exam, blood screening tests to check for heart disease, and diabetes screening for those considered to be at risk.