i have been told i now have a medicare replacement plan. why?

Question

I thought i was joining a medocare subplament plan The plan is Sterling a medicare advantage plan. I did not understand. Now i do not have medicare?

Answer 1

I'm so sorry to hear you have a problem with this! We went through a lot of problems with my mom's Medicaid before she passed, and that was before the new laws. I understand it has been VERY confusing. Check this out. And then if questions aren't answered, talk to your state representative. Good luck.

www.medicare.gov

Answer 2

I am sorry that you are having problems! The peculiarities of Medicare can be very confusing--and if it is any comfort, you are not alone! Medicare with its alphabet soup, supplemental insurance and "special kinds" of "advantage" plans can muddle anyone's mind! And right now many companies offering prescription drug coverage through different Medicare plans are changing them--the enrollment period for Medicare Part D begins November 15th and will last through Dec. 8th. This is probably the reason why you have been told that you have a "replacement plan"--the company is changing the kinds of plans that are offered to folks like you.

Certainly you can find information on the Medicare website, however if you want to sort out what is going on face to face with experts close to where you live, you should give your Area Agency on Aging a call. Area Agencies on Aging are the best kept secret for seniors and caregivers--these folks are real people there who know the details about Medicare, Medicaid and other public benefits and they aren't "selling anything." They will do their best to help you understand what is going on with your Medicare policy in language that you can understand and, if you wish, will also help you figure out what options you have at this point. Also, since they help scores of seniors every day with issues like this one, staff there know the "scoop" about what is going on with Medicare plans and policies where you live. It's their job to stay informed!

If you live in the United States or one of the territories, there is an Area Agency on Aging 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, too. Area Agencies on Aging are funded under the Older Americans Act-- they don't have big budgets for advertising and only a few are getting money from the folks who run Medicare in Washington! Although a financial donation is not required to get help from your Area Agency on Aging, all financial contributions are welcomed and will be used to help other seniors--your friends and neighbors-- who need the kind of help you seek.

Hope this helps! Best wishes and Good luck!

Answer 3

I went through the same thing with my mom and founf it very difficult to get a straight answer from 1-800-medicare. I urge you to get the book "Healthcare for Less" by Michelle Katz. She does a great job simplifying the process and gives definitions "in terms" that anyone can understand. After reading the book I found that the "original Medicare" was best for my mom and her perscription drug plan she has through her credit agency is best for her....oh, and don't forget that Medicare is having an open enrollment period between November 15 - December 31st, but before you start calling Medicare and asking questions, I would get "Healthcare for Less" at your local Barnes and Noble for $15 or on www.amazon.com...it will help clarify things for you like it did me:)