Health Insurance Articles
Dayton Seniors Experience Change In Medicare Coverage
2009-10-20
Dayton Ohio individuals who currently have Medicaid health insurance should brace themselves for a change. According to state officials, some of the Medicare Advantage plans available to seniors will be discontinuing coverage effective December 31. Therefore, it is necessary that Medicare coverage beneficiaries need to switch coverage between November 15 and the end of December.
The universal government health insurance plan, Medicaid, currently assists those Americans over 65 years of age. But for thousands of Dayton, Ohio, residents, Medicare is changing to a certain degree and they will have to seek new healthcare plans. The news came from state insurance officials during a time when the issue of healthcare is foremost on the minds of many Americans. Medicare was first instituted in the United States with the Social Security Act of 1965 under the direction of President Lyndon B. Johnson. But today, there are many additional facets to this form of insurance including plans to suit those with special needs.
Normally, the extent to which seniors are covered depends if they have Part A coverage, Part B coverage or both. Typically, Part A covers hospital expenses, while Part B includes outpatient fees, such as medical exams. However, since certain Medicare coverage plans will be discontinued, those beneficiaries will need to choose between one of the other health insurance plans currently offered. These plans include Original Medicare or one with a Part D prescription drug option. The government also offers several plans under Medicare Advantage to suit the needs of seniors. The details about Medicare premiums, deductibles and coinsurance rates can be a little tricky. Medicare includes a Part A segment, which covers hospital insurance and premiums, and a large portion of Medicare insurance holders do not pay a monthly Part A premium. This is due to the fact that some individuals still get a portion of their Medicare covered by their employers. Whereas, Medicare Advantage Plans generally give all Medicare-covered individuals services through that plan. With this form of policy, there is the option to include prescription drug coverage.
In addition, The Dayton Business Journal reports that this change in health insurance affects more than 4,000 residents in Butler, Montgomery and Miami counties. "Beneficiaries need not to panic about finding new health insurance," said state official Mary Jo Hudson, director of the Ohio Department of Insurance, in a recent news release. "There is help available."
Anyone concerned about his or her current plan can find more information through the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program. Call them toll free at 1-800-686-1578. Seniors who need to change their current plans may also visit www.medicare.gov. The site offers what Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are available for enrollment.
