The Society is offering Wednesday Lunch and Learn sessions to help Medicare beneficiaries gain more understanding of specialized topics.
Date/Time
Date(s) – 10/25/23
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Choosing a Prescription Drug Plan
REGISTRATION: Zoom
Americans are concerned about the high costs of prescription drugs. Congress made some changes in 2022. As the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services work to begin to implement these changes, the Prescription Drug Plans and the Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans are also making major changes. Some are offering plans with zero co-pays; others are offering low to no co-pays. Plans are also making changes in the formulary and the co-pays for different tiers. The session will highlight the 2024 changes and how to evaluate the prescription drug plan that best meets your needs.
Date/Time
Date(s) – 11/01/23
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
What is the Difference: Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage
REGISTRATION: Zoom
While Medicare Part A and B pay for most health care costs, there are some costs that are not covered, namely the Medicare Part A and B deductibles, some co-pays and some co-insurances. The marketplace offers two types of coverage that Medicare beneficiaries should consider: Medicare Advantage (Part C and D) and Medicare Supplement with a Stand Alone Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). Learn more about the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplements including differences in coverage, benefits, and cost.
Date/Time
Date(s) – 11/08/23
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Medicare Benefits: Home Care, Nursing Home and Hospice Care
REGISTRATION: Zoom
Oftentimes, Medicare beneficiaries need additional health care services as a result of aging for chronic conditions; an acute episode such as heart conditions or stroke; or a recent accident or fall. Depending on a number of factors such as length of hospitalization, medical necessity, and level of independence, beneficiaries may be eligible for Part A or B services including skilled rehab services such as nursing or therapy, skilled services in the home; or medical devices that can aid in mobility and independence. Additionally, as individuals reach the end-of-life, they may want to choose hospice or palliative care which focuses more on qualify of care, rather than curative care. Learn more about how your Medicare benefits may be able to help you continue to live in the community and your home longer.
Date/Time
Date(s) – 11/16/23
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Medicare – The Little Things You Need to Know
REGISTRATION: Zoom
Medicare is probably the best health insurance coverage in America. 65 million older adults receive Medicare. This session will cover a few of the 2023 and 2024 Medicare changes, but will be an opportunity to the audience to ask questions and get answers to some of their ongoing questions. In the area of prescription drugs, In 2023, Medicare started covering all vaccines in full and capped insulin at $35 per month per script. In 2024, Medicare Extra Help is increasing with the income level for individuals to get help with out-of-pocket costs of prescription drugs to $21, 870 per year for an individual ($30,000 for a couple). The out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs is being reduced. Individuals who spend more than $3250 in combined drug costs between the patient and the drug plan will not have a co-pay for prescriptions after they reach that level. By law, drug manufacturer patient assistance programs cannot assist people with federal insurance, including Medicare. Drug manufacturer assistance programs support people who are uninsured and people with commercial insurance. Medicare Advantage plans are expanding coverage for vision, hearing and dental. Prior authorization is always a struggle for health care providers. Final rules are being written to have an electronic prior authorization process, shorter times for receiving prior authorizations, and data sharing. Hate those Medicare commercials, Medicare is looking to regulate marketing materials and activities. Companies will not be allowed to use the Medicare name, logo, and card; nor will they be able to use superlatives in marketing. Lastly all materials must address a specific plan.