http://www.stlamerican.com/
This
article stood out to me because I did not know that this “open enrollment” for
Medicare existed. This open enrollment allows for the aged and people with
disabilities to reevaluate their Medicare plan to ensure that it still fits the
needs that they have. They can review what has been changed (plan costs or
coverage) to make sure that they are choosing the right plan. This article says
that Medicare has a “star rating” that allows people to compare plans and then
decide what is best for them.
This article also is informing readers
that the Medicare Advantage Plan and Part D (prescription drug plan) are being
higher rated. This higher rate increases the level of care and better customer
service to their enrollees. I think this is a great thing because people’s
needs change all of the time. If this open enrollment did not exist people
would be stuck with the same help regardless of their challenges or issues.
This gives people and families a way to compare what different plans are, the
cost, and coverage options and revaluate the help that they need.
What stood out about this article the most to me was the title behind the author’s name. When I worked with the elderly in the 80’s and 90’s, Medicare and Medicaid were very separate and confusing entities. Also, somehow I missed that St. Louis American was online. “Bracing for Hurricane McColloch” caught my eye and was a little more interesting to me than Medicare, no offense, Allie. If you’re thinking to yourself that I should be interested in Medicare at least for myself, you’re wrong, I have a few more years to worry about it : ) Regardless of what population we intend to work with, a frame of reference for Medicare and Medicaid is good. Even though it is so much easier now to find specific information on the internet, it’s easier to find if you have something to start with.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ali good article. I too was not aware of the star rating. This is very helpful as these programs can be confusing. Anything to help the clients and their families better understand the program the better. I do have a concern about service to the clients. I know the state of Mo had changed the way that service was delivered to the clients. Some local Social Service offices became resources centers housing only one to two staff members to handle intake for Medicaid and Medicare applications, questions, and other social service programs. Much of the system was changed to being online or by a 1-800 number. Many people I have talked to have had issues with the 1-800 number. They have not been able to get through, have been on hold a long time or have reported that they have not received a call back. I hope this is no longer the case or communication has improved with the call centers. .
ReplyDeleteI am in a Health Care Policy class at UMSL and I find all of the health care stuff very confusing. I still do not really understand how open enrollment and the marketplace really function. I also think that open enrollment has been really confusing for people especially in MO because the system was down for quite sometime. Either people where waiting to hear back or the system was down. I think as a whole the education on this new reform needs to vamp up so that everyone understands how properly utilize the system.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the whole system is very confusing. I think Kara hit the nail on the head. It takes forever to hear back from the healthcare system. I think there needs to be some kind of check in system to keep applicants up to date on their application. Because right now you fill out the app, and are either instantly approved and then have to wait to hear from your state or you are denied and given tons of options to choose from with no guidance. Hearing back from the state can take forever. I know someone that waited 4 months before she heard anything. That is too long. I also think there needs to be more help for those that aren't eligible for state coverage but are willing to buy insurance.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone else that the system is confusing. I recently switched jobs (from full time to part time) due partly to stress and tried to apply for affordable care and was told I had to wait until November 15th because I left on my own will (not loss of job, divorce etc.). So I applied on November 15th, and was told I am not eligible for help because I live with my mom (her income is high) and I am under the age of 26. I guess they figure I can get covered under my mom's insurance which is $350 a month I might add so I'm better off doing Cobra!! Anyway, I'm in the process now of getting new health insurance and it has been a pain. I can only imagine what other people are going through trying to figure out the best options! There needs to be more informative options such as the star mentioned, in order to better help people choose the best option. It's extremely frustrating.
ReplyDeleteOMG healthcare is simply confusing all around, and extremely expensive! Kate I'm with you it is hard for me to understand my own health care plan, and I hate when the doctor's office ask me any questions about my health care insurance other than the name of it. I have a hard time understanding what all is covered and what is not. I never know if I need to re-enroll during open enrollment or change my plan or what. I was on my mom's insurance for so long that when I became full-time I had no idea what to do. My mom always chose the plan and I just went to the doctor and picked up prescriptions. I believe that everyone needs a guide on knowing who is eligible and who is not, what plan is best for you and simply how and when to enroll. I cannot explain my own healthcare insurance to myself so I have no idea how I would be affective in helping my clients with their healthcare insurance questions and needs. Yes, there definitely needs to be more information and options and less confusion and frustration!
ReplyDelete