By Marcelo Espiritu
October 2017 | 2017 Fall Newsletter
Stacks of mail advertising insurance plans for 2018 are arriving to your door this time of year. With so many choices available, how do you sort through all of this information?
As an IHSS recipient, you may currently have coverage with both Medicare and Medi-Cal. Health insurance plans can be complicated; and if you have coverage by two insurances, picking the best option for your unique needs can be confusing.
Every fall Medicare drug plan and Medicare Advantage HMOs provide updated information for your consideration. For most Medicare recipients, a change must be made before December 7. But, if you also have Medi-Cal, you can make changes to your plan at any time. You are not bound by the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (October 15—December 7). Instead, you have an ongoing Special Enrollment Period to make changes which would take effect on the first day of the next month after a change is made. Additionally, you may also change your Medi-Cal plan throughout the year.
With the option to change plans anytime, your business is sought after by health insurance companies and agents. Protect yourself from unwanted healthcare changes by always asking, “If I sign this health plan application, will I be able to see my current physician/provider, and will I be able to retain the current services I receive?” If the answer is no, then find out why.
Would you like to know more about how Medicare and Medi-Cal work together? Receive personalized help from the Sourcewise Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP).
Counselors are registered with the California Department of Aging and provide free, objective, one-on-one counseling to assist individuals with Medicare options and questions. For assistance, call HICAP: (408) 350-3200, option 2.