Inside: Learn about Colorado’s health insurance marketplace. OPEN+ENROLLMENT Your guide to making key Medicare and health insurance decisions Advertising Supplement to The Denver Post OCTOBER24, 2021
Some Medigap policies also cover services not covered by Medicare, like medical care if you travel outside the United States. Medigap policies typically don’t pay for long-term care, visioncare, dentalcare, hearing aids,eyeglasses, or private-duty nursing.
Common Medicare questions
What is Medicare Part B?
Medicare Part Aprovides hospital coverage for free at age 65 if you get Social Security retirement benefits or if you or your spouse had Medicare-covered government employment.
Medicare Part Ahospital insurance covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, lab tests, surgery, and home health care.
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What is aMedicare Advantage plan? Medicare Advantage is an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits. Private insurance companies sell Medicare Advantage plans. These plans provide the same level of coverage that Medicare Part Aand Part Bprovide. Why choose aMedicare Advantage plan? Medicare Advantage plans sometimes provide more benefits than original Medicare. Many Medicare Advantage plans pay for routine vision care, hearing aids, routine dental care, prescription drug coverage, and fitness center membership. Does aMedicare Advantage plan cost more? Under aMedicare Advantage plan, you continue to pay your Medicare Part Bpremium plus an additional premium. Your Medicare Advantage premium can be as low as zero. Some Medicare Advantage Plans also save you money on copays and limit maximum out-ofpocket expenses. Most Medicare Advantage plans combine medical and Part Dprescription drug coverage. Many plans also can include added benefits suchasvision,dental,orhearingcare.Medicare Advantage Plans work like HMOs or PPOs and require you to choose in-network providers. With original Medicare, you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare. When can Ienroll in aMedicare supplementplan? Before getting supplemental insurance, you first need to have Medicare Part Aand Part Bcoverage, which typically starts at age 65. Medigap open enrollment begs in the first month after you are 65 and officially enrolled in Medicare Part B. Theenrollment period then runs for six months after that date.
YourPartBpremiumisautomaticallydeducted from your Social Security payment. If you don’t get abenefitpayment, you will be billed for the premium. Most people pay the standard premium, which is expected to be $158.50, in 2022.Ifyourmodifiedadjustedincomeisabove acertain amount, you’ll also pay an additional charge. What is Medicare Part Dcoverage?
Private insurance companies provide prescription drug coverage, which is known as Medicare Part D. You can buy Part Dcoverage separately or as part of aMedicare Health Plan with Drug Coverage. Medicare has approved all part Dplans sold in Colorado.
What’s the difference between a Medigap policy and aMedicare Advantage Plan?
What is Medicare Part A?
Medicare Part Bprovides necessary services and preventive services. Medically necessary services diagnose and treat medical conditions. Preventive services help prevent illness like the fluordetect it early when treatment works best. Medicare Part Bcovers ambulance rides, durable medical equipment, mental health care, inpatient care, outpatient care, partial hospitalization, and limited outpatient prescription drugs. How much does Medicare Part Bcost?
AMedigap policy supplements your Medicare benefits, while aMedicare Advantage Plan is another option to get Medicare benefits. What is aMedigap policy?
Private companies sell Medigap or Medicare Supplement Insurance plans to fill “gaps” in Medicare coverage. With aMedigap policy, you pay amonthly premium in addition to the Part Bpremium you pay Medicare. Medicare pays for most covered health care services and supplies. Medigap policies help cover additional costs like copayments and deductibles.
Don’t pick a Medicare plan until you’veseen this one We’re at your side with the guidance you need to understand your Medicare options and maximize your coverage. Discover Aetna Medicare Advantage plans thatoffer the benefits and resources you need, including: PREMIUM PLANS INCLUDING DENTAL $0 Aetna Medicare is aHMO,PPO plan with aMedicare contract. Our SNPs also have contracts with State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. Plan features and availability mayvary by service area. For accommodation of persons with special needs at meetings, call 1-833-258-3132 (TTY:711). ©2021 Aetna Inc. 001206_24-10-2021 Y0001_26712a_2022_M Call us forpersonalized help or to find alocal, in-person or online Medicare seminar. 1-844-979-3433 (TTY:711) 8AM–8 PM, 7daysaweek. An Aetna representative will answer your call. Go online to find alocal, in-person or online seminar and get your questions answered. aet.na/resource1 Doctor visits Lab coverage Dental coverage Eyewear benefit 6 THE DENVER POST B DENVERPOST.COM B SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2021 advertising supplement «3S
The Pros: MoreBenefits MedicareAdvantage plans provide morebenefits than original Medicare, although the exactbenefits vary between plans.Ifyou had original Medicareand wanted all the benefits of MedicareAdvantage, you’dhavetoenroll in a Medicaresupplemental plan and stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan. Lower Cost Many MedicareAdvantage premiums areaslow as $0. In addition, cost sharing maybelower than original Medicareplans.And unlike original Medicare, youhave acap on out-of-pocket expenses
Health plans sold through ConnectforhealthCO.com for children up to age 19 must offer dental coverage because dental care is considered essential care.
VSP, the largest not-for-profitvision insurance plan, serves nearly 70 million customers in the United States. Thecompany’s insuranceworks with more than 1,100 eye care professionals in Colorado. Standard benefits include annual exams and an annual $150 allowance for new glasses or contacts.
Doctor Referrals,Prior Authorizations and Service Areas
But adults who want dental or vision care need to buy separate policies for dental and vision coverage.
MedicareAdvantage Plans: TheProsand Cons
Adults can’t buy one-size-fits-all insurance that provides medical, dental, and vision coverage.
When choosing aplan, consider what’s covered and what services you need.
The Cons: ASmaller Provider Network Unlike original Medicare, MedicareAdvantage plans arelimited to asmaller provider network.Ifyou see aprovider outside your network,your plan may not cover the same level of benefits.
If you want to add dental coverage, now’s the time to do it. If you don’t enroll during the Nov. 1toJan. 15 open enrollment period, you can only do so if you have aqualifying life change event like moving, getting married, or having a baby. In Colorado, you can choose between 11 dental plans offered by Anthem Dental Coverage, Cigna Dental, or Delta Dental.
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Connect for Health Colorado partners with Vision Service Plan (VSP) to provide eye care insurance.
Elevate Medicare Advantage by DenverHealth Medical Plan ElevateMedicare Advantage has added more benefits and coverage and offers an expanded provider network that includes Denver Health, UCHealth, National Jewish, Stride CommunityHealth Centers,West Pines Behavioral Health and Mental Health Center of Denver It’s time to make your Medicareplan selection for2022 (Open Enrollment is October 15 through December 7, 2021). For answers to your questions and help through the enrollmentprocess, call 303-602-4912 TTY711 or visit DenverHealthMedicalPlan.org. H5608_DenverPostAdvertorial22_M
How do Iadd dental and vision coverage?
Like health plans, dental plans have in-network dentists, and you will pay more if you go outof-network. Look for plans that offer no to low-cost preventive care, including cleanings and routine X-rays.
Evaluate how the plan covers basic restorative care like fillings and root canals, major restorativecare like crowns and bridges, and orthodontia. Some plans have waiting periods before those services are covered. And some plans may only cover orthodontia or braces until the patient is 19.
What arethe advantages of ElevateMedicare Advantage? Well,thereare benefits youmay find quite appealing.While original Medicareplans provide Part A(inpatienthospital) and Part B(outpatient medical) coverage, MedicareAdvantage plans (sometimes referred to as Part Cplans) offer all the benefits of Medicare, as well as extracoverage like dental,vision, hearing and more. Most advantage plans also cover prescription drugs (PartD).
Coordination of Care MedicareAdvantage plans oftencontractwith certain medical facilities and health careproviders who coordinate your care. This coordination of carecan be an importantasset to your health care.
MedicareAdvantage plans mayrequireadoctor’s referral to see specialists and prior authorizations for certain procedures,hospital stays,medical equipment and home health care. In addition, most Medicare Advantage plans have regional provider networks, so youmay have to reside in thatserviceareafor at least six months out of the year to receivebenefits.
Thegood news is there are few options and levels to sift through, says Monica Caballeros, Connect for Health Colorado’s strategic communications lead.
Dental plan options
Vision coverage In Colorado, customers can enroll in vision plans at any time.
DenverHealth Medical Plan, Inc. is aMedicare-approvedHMO plan. Enrollment in DenverHealth Medical Plan depends on contract renewal. The Plan also has awritten agreement with the Colorado Medicaid Program to coordinateyour Medicaid benefits. ATTENTION: If youspeak Spanish, language assistance services,freeofcharge, areavailable to you. Call 1-877-956-2111 (TTY 711). ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene asudisposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Paraobtener más información llame al 1-877-956-2111. (Los usuarios de TTY deben llamar al 711). H5608_DenverPostAd22_M $0 Primary CareProvider (PCP) Copay Dental, vision and hearing included Up to $250 in eyewear every year Up to $1,500 in hearing aid coverage every 3years Non-emergencymedical transportation: Unlimited round trips at $0 cost $0 annual DenverParksand Recreation membership PharmacybyMail Over-the-Counter Mail Order DispatchHealth (in-home urgent care, 8a.m. -10p.m., 365 daysayear) 24/7 NurseLine MoreBenefits. MoreTime for Life. CALL US TO ENROLL TODAY: 303-602-4905 6 THE DENVER POST B DENVERPOST.COM B SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2021 advertising supplement «5S
Changes in Medicare coverage for 2022 include premium increases and added services. Like other health care plans, Medicare premiums and deductibles change annually.
Medicare Part C In Colorado, 94 Medicare Part CorMedicare Advantage Plans are available, up from 80 in 2021. Consumers will see an average monthly premium of $14.11 in 2022, an 8.3 percent decrease from the $15.39 premium in 2021.
Medicare Part B
TheCentersforMedicareandMedicaidServices anticipates 29.5 million people nationally will enroll in a2022 Medicare Advantage Plan. These plans offer supplemental benefits, includingeyewear,hearingaids,dentalbenefits, over-the-counter drugs, fitness benefits, and worldwide emergency care.
Cognitive assessment and care plans Medicare cognitive assessments to help detect early signs of cognitive impairment. The cognitive evaluation can be included during routine doctor visits. It also can be performed during aseparate visit with your doctor or a specialist. Assessments are critical because conditions like depression, anxiety, and delirium can cause confusion. If you are diagnosed with acognitive impairment like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, Medicare covers the costs to develop acare plan to address and manage symptoms.
ThePart Bdeductible will increase to $198 per year. That’s a7%increase over the 2021 deductible of $185.
What’s new in Medicare for 2022?
“We are committed to ensuring that the health system and Medicare work for people, their families, and their providers,” said Centers for Medicare &Medicaid Services Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure in anews release.
Premiums and deductibles
Medicare Part A For most people, Medicare Part Apremiums will remain zero. Most recipients have free Part Acoverage because they cumulatively paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. People who pay for Part Awill likely see a premium increase.
TheMedicare Part Bpremium will be $144.60, a6.7 percent increase over the 2021 monthly premium of $135.50.
Medicare Part Bdeductible and coinsurance apply. Blood-based biomarker test Medicare covers ablood-based biomarker test to screen for colorectal cancer once every three years in some instances. To be eligible, you must be between the ages of 50 and 85, show no symptoms of colorectal disease, and be at average risk for developing colorectal cancer. There is no charge for the test if you meet the conditions and an approved doctor or other qualified health provider performs the test.
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Medicare Part D
Average monthly premiums for standalone prescription Part Dplans are $33 per month. That’s up less than $2 from the average 2021 premium of $31.47 per month.
New services for 2022 New services covered by Medicare for 2022 include COVID-19-related items and services, cognitiveassessmentandcareplans,andbloodbased biomarker tests. COVID-19 Medicare coverage will include COVID-19 services, including vaccines, diagnostic tests, antibody tests, and monoclonal antibody treatments. Medicare participants will pay nothing for vaccines, diagnostic tests, and antibody tests.
ThePart Aannual deductible will be $1,408, a3.2% increase from the 2021 deductible of $1,364.
Here’s what you need to know:
“Open Enrollment is the one time each year when more than 63 million people with Medicare can review their health care coverage to find new plans or change existing plans, discover extra benefits and help them save money.”
Monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19 can help fight the disease and prevent hospitalization.Patients must meet certain conditions to get free treatments from a Medicare provider or supplier.
No obligation, andrefreshmentswillbeserved Come to aMedicareenrollmentevent at Denver andcheck outHumana’s health plans: • MedicareAdvantage prescription drug (MAPD) • MedicareAdvantage (MA) • MedicarePartD—stand-alone prescription drug coverage (PDP) Alocal,licensedHumana agentwillbeheretohelpyou select the rightplanfor your needs. Enrollment assistance,tomakeiteasy There’snoobligationto enroll. Butifyou decide now’sthe time,alicensed Humana salesagent willhelpyou. It starts with your RSVP. Bringa friend. Please join us to learnmoreabout your 2022 HumanaMedicareAdvantage plan options: Arvada 8175 NSheridan Blvd OCT.29AT10A.M. NOV. 5, 12, 19 AT 10 A.M. Call alicensedHumana sales agent 303-267-9001 (TTY: 711)Amorehuman way to healthcare™ For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711),8a.m. –8p.m., seven days aweek. At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color,national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). Español(Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene asudisposiciónservicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711) 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意：如果 您使 用繁體中 文 ，您可 以免費 獲得 語言援 助服務 。請致 電 1-877-320-1235 (TTY :711) 。 Glendale 4100 EMississippi Ave #110 OCT.29AT10A.M. NOV. 5, 12, 19 AT 10 A.M. Lakewood 1692 Wadsworth Blvd OCT.29AT10A.M. NOV.5,12, 19 AT 10 A.M. Littleton 8246 WBowles Ave Bldg.1Unit T OCT. 29 AT 10 A.M. NOV. 5, 12, 19 AT 10 A.M. SFederal 730 SFederal Blvd OCT.29AT10A.M. NOV. 5, 12, 19 AT 10 A.M. Aurora 1080 SSable Blvd OCT.29AT10A.M. NOV. 5, 12, 19 AT 10 A.M. Y0040_GHHJEWMEN_22_AD_C Join Humana foraMedicare enrollment event 6 THE DENVER POST B DENVERPOST.COM B SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2021 advertising supplement «7S
Medicaremadeeasy. Oneofthe pluses of gettingold,ahem,aging gracefully,isthat in alot of ways life gets easier. At 65,menus have whole sections dedicated to youand people start offeringyou theirseat. By enrolling in aKaiserPermanente Medicare health plan rated 5out of 5Stars in Coloradofor 2022,thateasystreakkeeps on going. Ourhigh-qualityhealth plans helpmakeiteasytoaccess your health needs —often under one roof. So take advantage of allthose “senior benefits,”aslongastheybenefit your health. Visit kp.org/medicareforyou to learnmore. Everyyear, Medicare evaluatesplans based on a5-starratingsystem. KaiserPermanente is an HMOplanwith aMedicarecontract. Enrollmentin KaiserPermanente depends on contractrenewal. Youmust reside in theKaiserPermanente Medicare health plan serviceareainwhich youenroll. Y0043_N00032093_CO_M 8S» advertising supplement SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2021 B DENVERPOST.COM B THE DENVER POST 6
