Discovering The Mature Lifestyle Medicare counseling available Page 5
Medicare & Insurance October Issue
October 20, 2016
Medicare expert suggests questions for seniors to consider BY SUE WEBBER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
riences, not just what you pay in monthly premiums.” • What can you afford to pay each Sara Wagner, a Medicare expert at moth? Health Partners in Bloomington, said the • What do you pay out of pocket if you thing she hears most from senior citizens travel to see a doctor outside the plan netwho are just signing up for Medicare is work? that it’s “really confusing.” • Is there a fitness benefit? “We find a lot “It’s not something anyone can prepare of people who are interested in the fitness for,” said Wagner, who has a master’s de- benefit,” Wagner said. gree in gerontology and has been at Health • Is there a dental plan included? Partners for 15 years. “Sometimes we forget about teeth,” Wag“People are looking for help, resources ner said. “Some plans include dental plans, and ‘what does this mean?’” Wagner said. and some don’t. You have to know what “They’re starting from square one.” you’re buying.” There are certain things people might All plans have an emergency plan that want to consider as they shop for health will cover you when you travel, according care coverage, Wagner said. to Wagner. However, some have a cap on • Can I keep my extended benefits, she doctor? “Not all plans said. “Most plans have have the same network,” some sort of travel benWagner said. efit,” she said. • Do I need a referral • Is there a correto see a specialist? sponding prescription • CMS (Centers for drug plan? “We often Medicare and Medicaid find that people like ev- Asking the right questions helps wade through the complexities of Medicare enrollment. Services) has a five-star, erything with one carmation from any independent insurance To use the program, patients fill out an in-depth rating system rier,” Wagner said. in place for plans, a She notes that most agent, a broker that represents all plans, online form and answer some questions quality assurance score health insurance carri- from Senior Linkage Line or at the medi- that a doctor would be likely to ask. Certified nurse practitioners make a diagnosis, care available at mediers in Minnesota offer care.gov website. Telemedicine now is offered by some create a personalized treatment plan and care.gov. “In Minneclasses or information sota, we’re fortunate to sessions, or opportuni- plans as an alternate to a face-to-face visit send a prescription if needed. Wagner suggests that people who are have good quality plans, ties for people to educate with the doctor. “A lot of physicians parapproaching Medicare start looking at opbut you should look at themselves before they ticipate in that,” Wagner said. As for Health Partners, she said, “We’re tions a year in advance, “to get an idea of the plan’s star rating,” enroll in Medicare. “They Wagner said. “It’s pretty want to help people make really proud of our Virtuwell online clinic. what’s out there.” “Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” Wagrigorous. It speaks to Sara Wagner is a Medicare expert the transition,” Wagner It’s available 24/7, and it treats 50 common conditions, including bladder infections, ner said. “You really don’t have to do this the quality and satisfac- at Health Partners in Bloomington. said. alone.” tion of members’ expe- (Submitted photo) Seniors can get infor- flu and sinus infections.”