HARDEST PART

Hardest Part Q&A

Q: What does "common" Medicare pay for?

This should be a simple question - but I get alot of different answers when I ask my close friends and family. Does living in different states make this a hard question? I have Medicare --- then I have part "B" - then I have supplemental coverage with Blue Care 65. Blue care 65 includes my Part D. Am I over insured? My wife has all the same coverage. We live In Massachusetts. We need simple answers - that is why I came here to ask as I have read many answers that are easy to understand here. Thanks for any help.

A: Medicare --and the different Medicare supplemental and Medicare Part D plans now on the market --can be very confusing. How you will be affected --whether you are enrolled in traditional Medicare or whether you are enrolled in one of the newer Medicare HMO-type plans-- depends on the plan you have and where you live. If it is any comfort to you--you are not alone in your confusion. From what you described, it does not appear to me that you are "over-insured" since you say that you have traditional Medicare. If you would like some help in answering this question from objective professionals who aren't "selling" a particular plan or product--and want the answers in language you can easily understand -- I would highly recommend that you contact the Area Agency on Aging where you live. These folks can also tell you how it would work if you are considering changing the plan(s) you have to another one When you talk with the staff person at your Area Agency in Massachusetts, it would also be helpful if you have details about the plans you currently have. If you have questions about Medicare Part D options, you will also want to have a list of all the prescriptions you and your wife are each taking, the dosages prescribed and also the pharmacy that you prefer to do business with. Professionals at your Area Agency on Aging provide guidance in helping seniors and their caregivers in dealing with the peculiarities of Medicare every day. You will find the folks there friendly and helpful--and, again, they are not selling any particular plan or product. They also know the latest "scoop" on changes that are still happening with Medicare in your state. (Yes! More changes are happening--particularly with Medicare Part D!) If you live in the United States or one of the territories, there is an Area Agency on Aging serving where you live. You can call toll-free 1-800-677-1116 to find how to contact the one serving you. If you do contact your local Area Agency on Aging and like the help that they give you, let your local county officials and your folks in Congress know. Area Agencies on Aging are funded under the Older Americans Act and they don't have big budgets for advertising and certainly don't have big budgets. Your voluntary contribution to support the work of your local Area Agency on Aging in helping your older friends and neighbors would be appreciated--but is certainly not required for you to get the answers to your questions about Medicare. Hope this helps! Best wishes to you and your wife!

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