Social Security Financial Health Declining

[CrimsonTide4]

It struck me this morning that we had not talked about this -- preparing for Medicare Part D. I know many of us are not 65 or on Medicare or low income, but we might have family members that this involves. PLUS as SERVICE organizations, we are duty bound, IMO , to help those who qualify understand Medicare. My job is greatly impacted by the changes that Medicare is bringing forth soon.

My church had a seminar last Saturday here in Charlotte and I spoke with my grandmother about it as well to insure she was at least aware of it.

Disclaimer: I am still learning about it so don't ask me any questions.

However, I am wondering if any orgs, D9, NPC, IFC, MCGLO, etc. are hosting workshops, informationals, etc. in the communities to prepare our seniors for the changes?

I will be expressing my desire for Charlotte Alumnae to host an informational, not just for Delta Dears but for Charlotte seniors.

So the question is are you (individually, chapter wise) ready and informed about Medicare Part D?


Helpful Websites:
http://www.medicare.gov/
http://www.medicare.org/
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/


KNOWLEDGE is STILL POWER

[StarFish106]

I work in HR and we have had Retiree Medical Seminars to get our population up to speed on all the plans and changes..that was the ok part since we had people representing Medicare there to answer the questions...

Then I had to read it all over again to explain it to my mom! Her plan didn't change by much but I can see where some older folks would have problems especially if they didn't have someone to help them go over the changes. I want to ask my church can we have a seminar to help since our congregation is mainly the older population.

If someone is already in a plan from their old employer, the first thing they need to find out is their plan creditable in the eyes of Medicare with the changes. If it is and their drug benefits among other parts works for them, they may not have to change. It gets sticky for those who have never been in a plan and picking which out of the #'s of plans a state will offer (PA offers i believe 52 plans).

I encourage everyone to help those who have no one to explain the new changes whether it is your older family members or even neighbors to understand the new plans. But there is a big incentive to enroll. Those who don't sign up by May or aren't part of another drug plan accepted by Medicare as equivalent will be penalized if they choose to enroll later. The premium will increase by 1 percentage point for each month that enrollment is delayed, permanently boosting the premium by 12 percent after a year

Important Dates

Nov. 15, 2005: First day you can join a plan

Jan. 1, 2006: Coverage begins for people who have joined by Dec. 31, 2005

May 15, 2006: Last day to join a plan offering coverage for 2006

Nov. 15 to Dec. 31, 2006: Next opportunity to enroll (open enrollment)

So please help if you can!

[mulattogyrl]

This is a very good idea. I work with seniors in the NJ and PA areas and it is very confusing. I do have some knowledge of how it all works, but it's very detailed and these seniors will need as much help as they can get. My chapter actually does get involved in senior issues, so I will bring this idea to my chapter this Sunday.

[CrimsonTide4]

@ StarFish and MulattoGyrl.

Thanks for including those dates, StarFish. If they don't enroll in a plan, Medicare will choose a plan for them and what they choose MIGHT not be well suited for the patient.

[DSTinguished1]

Wow, thanks for this information. I know a few Seasoned Deltas as well as family members who I am sure can benefit from this information. I will also bring it to the table of BAC. Thanks again!

[StarFish106]

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4
@ StarFish and MulattoGyrl.

Thanks for including those dates, StarFish. If they don't enroll in a plan, Medicare will choose a plan for them and what they choose MIGHT not be well suited for the patient.

Exactly. The plan that my mom is in (Keystone 65 Generic) won't be offered anymore and they suggested another plan but my mom isn't sure the $$ will cover her prescriptions.

Also, to help people they need to know if their meds are even in the formulary list. Luckily all of hers were and most of the generics too. Some plans do offer brand name drugs this time (her old plan was unlimited generic- no brand name). So please have them look for their drugs as well.

[mccoyred]

I recently had to educate myself on this to consult for my grandmother. I think its just a matter of knowing what you have and what your patterns are in order to predict which coverage would be best.

[fun4real]

I must say, I really don't know what to do with this. My mother is in a different state, and it is sooooo difficult trying to get her to understand stuff. Especially by phone. I can even send her stuff to read and she doesn't get it. I need to get a more detailed understanding of all of this so I can make sure the right thing is being done for her....sigh.

Not sighing because of having to help, sighing because I'm the only one of my siblings that can handle ANY kind of business. In my case, I'm the dysfunctional one because I have sense...LOL

Thanks for the reminders and additional information. I getting on this right now.

[CrimsonTide4]

I heard this on the radio this morning. . .

Social Security Financial Health Declining

EXCERPT:

The annual trustees' report moved up the date that the Social Security trust fund will be depleted by one year to 2040 and moved up the date that the Medicare hospital insurance trust fund will be depleted by two years to 2018.

The problems in Medicare were depicted as far more serious because of the skyrocketing costs of health care, but the trustees presented a somber assessment of both programs facing the looming retirement of 78 million baby boomers.