Prominence

Medicare Myths Dispelled

Calvin Bagley, The Medicare Store

Most people are aware that when they turn 65, they become eligible for Medicare. However, what people don’t always understand is that there are options available beyond Original Medicare - the healthcare benefits you receive from the government. And those who are aware of these options are often reluctant to change plans due to common misconceptions.

With the Annual Election Period (AEP)— the only annual time of year when most Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their current coverage— happening from October 15 through December 7, now is the time to explore coverage options. But first, let’s walk through some myths around alternative coverage options that are good to be aware of before you look for a new plan.

Myth: Medicare Advantage HMOs don’t offer the same benefits as Original Medicare.

Truth: Medicare Advantage HMO plans are required to cover all of the medically necessary services that Original Medicare covers. In addition to that, most Medicare Advantage HMO plans offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover—like vision, hearing, dental, over-the-counter items, and more.

Myth: You get better care when you have Original Medicare vs. a Medicare Advantage HMO.

Truth: Research suggests the opposite. Medicare Advantage HMO plans utilize care coordination to keep their members healthy and out of the hospital. Researchers have found that Medicare Advantage members have 31 percent fewer hospitalizations than people on Original Medicare. They also found that the average hospital stay was 19 percent shorter and Medicare Advantage members spent 25 percent less on their care.

Myth: Most doctors and hospitals don’t take Medicare Advantage HMOs.

Truth: Medicare Advantage HMO plans include a wide variety of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and specialists. (Myths page 12)

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WE COULD SAVE YOU THOUSANDS.

Can your Medicare Plan?

Prominence Medicare is the local choice that offers big-time benefits. For example, $2,000 for dental care, a $35 monthly allowance to spend on pharmacy supplies and $0 monthly plan premiums to alleviate strain on fixed monthly budgets — plus, so much more. Having the right Medicare plan can help you stretch your monthly budget. That’s why Prominence Health Plan works hard to provide premium plans at affordable prices.

PROMINENCE INCLUDES ORIGINAL MEDICARE YOUR PLAN

$0 Monthly Plan Premium

Hospital Coverage

Outpatient Medical Coverage

Prescription Drug Coverage

Limit on Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Telemedicine Visits

Dental Coverage

Vision Coverage

Hearing Aid Coverage

Over-the-Counter Supplies

Fitness Membership

N/A

CALL FOR YOUR FREE SAVINGS COMPARISON CHART – no pressure, no obligations 888-585-8155 (TTY: 711) or visit ProminenceMedicare.com

Prominence Health Plan is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Prominence Health Plan depends on contract renewal. Prominence Health Plan complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-855-969-5882 (TTY: 711). PAUNAWA: Kung nagsasalita ka ng Tagalog, maaari kang gumamit ng mga serbisyo ng tulong sa wika nang walang bayad. Tumawag sa 1-855-969-5882 (TTY: 711). Y0109_NSPNV21_M_CMS Accepted 203668-5319