Why choose a Health Net Medicare plan over its competitors’ plans?

12/18/2008
By Annie Finneran
Why choose a Health Net Medicare plan over its competitors’ plans?

Health Net is among the nation’s largest publicly traded managed health care companies. They provide health benefits to approximately 6.7 million individuals across the country through group, individual, Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE and Veterans Affairs programs. They are the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in Connecticut and they have been serving Medicare Beneficiaries in Connecticut for 25 years offering their plans in all 8 counties. Last year they introduced their “Take Care” program which features dedicated health care advocates for its Medicare members. It’s their dedication to the community that sets them apart from other health care companies. The “Take Care” Program offers access to Decision PowerSM, a 24/7 access to Health Coaches, tools, and materials that empower members to learn more about their health conditions and treatments and to stay healthy. “Take Care” offers support such as coordinate care for complicated conditions and coordinated care when transitioning from a hospital to home, and discounts on wellness products and services. Health Net’s “Take Care” program also offers flu shot, customer appreciation and community events. Some of the events include Senior Wii Bowling events and the Health Net Cup. These events are offered at senior centers throughout Connecticut. Health Net
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The Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Period is here

12/18/2008
By Annie Finneran

Beginning last Saturday, November 15th, the open enrollment period is here for eligible individuals of the 2009 Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan. The period extends through December 31st and coverage will start on January 1st, 2009. In this time period, individuals can join the Medicare Part D plan or current beneficiaries can switch from one plan to another or drop their plan altogether. Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage plan offers coverage for brand name and generic prescriptions drugs to anyone eligible for Medicare and is provided through private insurance plans. In order to be eligible for Medicare Part D, you must be entitled to Medicare benefits under Part A and/or enrolled in Part B. You must also be a resident in the prescription plan’s service area and not be enrolled in more than one Medicare Part D plan at a time. You usually pay a monthly premium and may pay a yearly deductible. Depending on the plan you select, you will also have co-pays or coinsurance for your prescriptions. Since plans and premiums are changing, experts advise existing Medicare beneficiaries to review their current plans. Lists of covered drugs are changing and so are restrictions and costs so
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Great carriers with affordable rates for Medicare Supplement Plans

12/18/2008
By Annie Finneran

For Medicare Supplement plans, there are three carriers who have the best rates: AARP, Mutual of Omaha plus their subsidiaries, and ANTEX. Below is a description of each plan and some examples of affordable rates that they offer. AARP AARP is the leading nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people ages 50 and over in the United States and has approximately 39 million members. Some of the services AARP provides are informing members and the public on issues important to this age group, advocating on legislative, consumer and legal issues, promoting community service, and offering a wide range of special products and services to members including health insurance coverage. Medicare covers many healthcare services and supplies but was never intended to cover all heath care costs. Medicare Supplement Plans (or Medigap) help you save on out of pocket costs. AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan offers many benefits including freedom to choose your own doctors and see specialists without referrals, out-of-pocket savings, coverage wherever you travel, and the option to choose a plan that fits your needs and lifestyle. They have outstanding customer service, 99.7% of calls are resolved immediately. Additional services apart from the AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan benefits that
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Have you enrolled in Medicare Part D yet?

12/18/2008
By Annie Finneran

The deadline for Medicare Part D enrollment is approaching fast so if you haven’t already, it’s time to review your current Medicare plan to make sure it still offers the same benefits and prescription drugs to meet your needs. Whether you want to change your current provider or you’re a new enrollee, you have until December 31 to enroll. Waiting until the last minute can cause you to face delays. This is a once a year opportunity that allows participants to choose among a variety of private insurance plans that can be custom tailored to their particular drug needs. If you need help deciding what plan is best to fit your needs, there are many resources at your disposal to help during the open-enrollment period. In order to make an informed decision, you must know the basics first. Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans include Medicare Part A (hospital), Medicare Part B (doctor’s office visits), and Part D (prescription drug coverage). Medicare Part D plans only include prescription drug coverage and are usually purchased by people who already have Original Medicare (Part A and B). Since the lists of covered drugs are changing as well as restrictions and costs, Medicare beneficiaries
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Aetna and Costco team up

12/18/2008
By Annie Finneran

Aetna Medicare and Costco have teamed up to offer a Medicare prescription drug plan, Aetna Medicare Rx- Costco Plus plan. Not only does this give Medicare members access to one of Costco’s hundreds of U.S. pharmacies, but also to more than 59,000 Aetna network pharmacies nationwide. As of right now, The Aetna Medicare Rx- Costco Plus plan is available in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. Anyone who is eligible for Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B is eligible to join the Aetna Medicare Rx- Costco Plus plan if the service is available in their state. The Aetna Medicare Rx- Costco Plus plan benefits include $0 deductible and $0 preferred generic prescription drug co-pay. The plan premiums range from $50 to $70 a month, depending on the region. It also provides coverage for all Medicare-approved Part D prescription drugs and coverage for preferred generic prescription drugs in the “coverage gap.” Save at Costco pharmacies on prescription drugs and get enhanced coverage for generic benzodiazepines and barbiturates, prescriptions that are not covered by Medicare Part D. Maximum co-pays for generic prescription drugs filled at Costco are
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Have you enrolled in Medicare Part D yet?

12/18/2008
By admin

The deadline for Medicare Part D enrollment is approaching fast so if you haven’t already, it’s time to review your current Medicare plan to make sure it still offers the same benefits and prescription drugs to meet your needs. Whether you want to change your current provider or you’re a new enrollee, you have until December 31 to enroll. Waiting until the last minute can cause you to face delays. This is a once a year opportunity that allows participants to choose among a variety of private insurance plans that can be custom tailored to their particular drug needs. If you need help deciding what plan is best to fit your needs, there are many resources at your disposal to help during the open-enrollment period. In order to make an informed decision, you must know the basics first. Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans include Medicare Part A (hospital), Medicare Part B (doctor’s office visits), and Part D (prescription drug coverage). Medicare Part D plans only include prescription drug coverage and are usually purchased by people who already have Original Medicare (Part A and B). Since the lists of covered drugs are changing as well as restrictions and costs, Medicare beneficiaries
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