Kaiser Permanente Medicare Sales

Finding a Medicare health plan that supports your health, lifestyle, and budget is important. Consider your care needs and what your life may be like after you turn 65.  The first step in choosing the right coverage is understanding the four parts of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. Each part covers specific services, from medical care to prescription drugs.  Together, Part A and Part B are called Original Medicare and are provided by the federal government. It covers about 80% of hospital and medical expenses and doesnt include prescription drug coverage.  Part C known as Medicare Advantage  is another way to get Part A and B coverage. You can get these plans from private health care providers.  Part D is prescription drug coverage that can be added to Original Medicare. Next, pick Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan that best suits your needs. With Medicare Advantage plans, youll get other benefits, like affordable prescription drug coverage, dental and vision. These plans also have predictable costs with set copays, which can make it easier to plan your expenses.Other important aspects of a good Medicare health plan are affordability, convenience, and quality care. Another consideration that adds to a better patient experience is integrated care.Integrated care links all aspects of patient care together in an electronic medical record system. You can receive updates from doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and many specialists, all connected in one place. This enables your clinical care team to develop a personalized care plan. Lab results and doctors notes are available with 24/7access to your health record. To compare Medicare Advantage plans based on quality and service, use the star quality ratings given each year by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare health plans are rated in five categories: preventive care, chronic care, prescription drugs, customer service, and member satisfaction. A 5-star rating is excellent.When choosing a Medicare health plan, finding one that offers convenience, quality, service, access, and an integrated care experience, will give you peace of mind.Editors Note:  This article was submitted by Matt Engstrom, MBA, Kaiser Permanente Medicare Sales Leader. For more information he may be reached at 303-338-3353 or by email at [email protected]

Does this health plan have my current doctor? Cover my medications? Alongside cost of care these two questions are commonly asked by Medicare beneficiaries when considering whether to change their health plan. Unfortunately, opportunities to look beyond costs and coverage are sometimes overlooked. There are many other factors to investigate when reviewing plans and considering change. Of most importance is quality of care. The level and quality of care associated with a health plan can play a significant role in the healthcare experience as well as overall health of the member.Find out: what are the quality ratings associated with plans being considered? What does the plan offer that would be valuable to me? Do they simply provide insurance, or do they plan an active role in helping members to obtain or maintain good health standing? Health plans are easy when healthy what about when sick? What resources are provided to assist in that time of need? Also consider time and communication are the two most crucial elements to success in healthcare yet not all organizations recognize this as many only promote low cost coverage or choice in marketing materials.Consider what role(s), if any, the health plan being considered play in helping the member to reduce time wasted navigating the system or ensuring proper communication is taking place. Can members only access care in person? Chat? Email? Video? Phone? Text? How hard is it (or easy) for a member to communicate when needed? How soon does one get a response?It is not easy to know which plan is best for everyone. It can be a difficult decision. However, seeking to gain a better understanding with respect to quality, time, and communication will help maximize opportunity to make a choice that is comfortable and appropriate. Do yourself a favor and dig a little deeper when looking for a plan. You will thank yourself for it later. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Matt Engstrom, MBA. Matt is a Medicare Sales Manager at Kaiser Permanente and may be reached at 303-338-3353