Window to make changes to Medicare open until Nov. 7
MEL TOADVINE Tami Baker, a representative for United Health Care, offers information for those interested in making changes or buying Medicare plans for 2016. She made a presentation last week at the Lehigh Acres Senior Citizens Center.
Anyone who is approaching age 65 and those already with various Medicare plans are reminded that the window is open to alter their present plans or change to other plans from now to Nov. 7.
Tami Baker, a licensed sales representative for United Health Care, met with 45 senior citizens last week at the Lehigh Acres Senior Citizens Center on Plaza Drive to give an overview of the plans available to the retired on Medicare and noted that members can change their health plans, amend them, and make changes before the closing date of Nov. 7.
The auditorium was filled with a large turnout to ask questions and watch a video explaining some of the changes that are being made in Medicare plans for 2016.
She urged those on Medicare or those who are about to become members of Medicare to take a more active personal role in knowing more about their health needs.
“Don’t hesitate to call your Medicare provider for information you may not understand. Also take charge of your coverage by asking doctors and other medical facilities how much something costs before agreeing to it.
“If you don’t feel the price is right, then get on the telephone and call your Medicare provider, no matter who it is,” she said.
While she represents United Healthcare, one of the largest Medicare providers in the nation, she said the advice is also for others who belong to different plans.
Piles of mail inches high have filled mailboxes of everyone who is of Medicare age and Baker urged seniors to be sure they understand what is being offered and how much it cost.
“But you need to know your needs and while I am going to talk about some of the basic things you need to know, I am glad to talk to anyone after this meeting or at my office at 2802 Lee Blvd., Suite 2.
She explained the differences between an “HMO and a PPO,” explaining that each person has different needs and it is important now to make sure you have the coverage you want.
She handed out literature on United Health Care and urged those attending to take it home and read about changes that have been made for 2016. She said those changes are also being made in other Medicare plans.
Baker holds open meetings for people needing information on Medicare by representing United Health Care in Lehigh on different dates at the Senior Center.
The next meeting is set for Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. at the Lehigh Senior Center at 219 Plaza Drive. Two more dates follow. The next is Nov. 19 at 1 p.m. and Dec. 5 at 1 p.m. at the Lehigh Senior Center.
Others representing other Medicare plans from other companies also advertise when they hold public meetings, also to convince seniors why other plans may be better for them.
There are others in the community, some at local pharmacies who also will assist seniors with information about the many plans. Two of those are Maritza Martinez and Lisa Rivera at the Medicine Shoppe on the corner of Homestead and Alabama roads.
“We will sit down with you and go through the different plans and compare them with one another for what a senior citizen may need,” said Martinez at the Medicine Shoppe. She noted however that neither she nor Rivera will push one plan over another.
“We are here to explain the differences and answer the questions. It is then up the person who may or may not want to buy a certain plan or have a plan change. We only give them information; we do not recommend on plan over another,” Martinez said.
Window to make changes to Medicare open until Nov. 7
MEL TOADVINE Tami Baker, a representative for United Health Care, offers information for those interested in making changes or buying Medicare plans for 2016. She made a presentation last week at the Lehigh Acres Senior Citizens Center.
Anyone who is approaching age 65 and those already with various Medicare plans are reminded that the window is open to alter their present plans or change to other plans from now to Nov. 7.
Tami Baker, a licensed sales representative for United Health Care, met with 45 senior citizens last week at the Lehigh Acres Senior Citizens Center on Plaza Drive to give an overview of the plans available to the retired on Medicare and noted that members can change their health plans, amend them, and make changes before the closing date of Nov. 7.
The auditorium was filled with a large turnout to ask questions and watch a video explaining some of the changes that are being made in Medicare plans for 2016.
She urged those on Medicare or those who are about to become members of Medicare to take a more active personal role in knowing more about their health needs.
“Don’t hesitate to call your Medicare provider for information you may not understand. Also take charge of your coverage by asking doctors and other medical facilities how much something costs before agreeing to it.
“If you don’t feel the price is right, then get on the telephone and call your Medicare provider, no matter who it is,” she said.
While she represents United Healthcare, one of the largest Medicare providers in the nation, she said the advice is also for others who belong to different plans.
Piles of mail inches high have filled mailboxes of everyone who is of Medicare age and Baker urged seniors to be sure they understand what is being offered and how much it cost.
“But you need to know your needs and while I am going to talk about some of the basic things you need to know, I am glad to talk to anyone after this meeting or at my office at 2802 Lee Blvd., Suite 2.
She explained the differences between an “HMO and a PPO,” explaining that each person has different needs and it is important now to make sure you have the coverage you want.
She handed out literature on United Health Care and urged those attending to take it home and read about changes that have been made for 2016. She said those changes are also being made in other Medicare plans.
Baker holds open meetings for people needing information on Medicare by representing United Health Care in Lehigh on different dates at the Senior Center.
The next meeting is set for Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. at the Lehigh Senior Center at 219 Plaza Drive. Two more dates follow. The next is Nov. 19 at 1 p.m. and Dec. 5 at 1 p.m. at the Lehigh Senior Center.
Others representing other Medicare plans from other companies also advertise when they hold public meetings, also to convince seniors why other plans may be better for them.
There are others in the community, some at local pharmacies who also will assist seniors with information about the many plans. Two of those are Maritza Martinez and Lisa Rivera at the Medicine Shoppe on the corner of Homestead and Alabama roads.
“We will sit down with you and go through the different plans and compare them with one another for what a senior citizen may need,” said Martinez at the Medicine Shoppe. She noted however that neither she nor Rivera will push one plan over another.
“We are here to explain the differences and answer the questions. It is then up the person who may or may not want to buy a certain plan or have a plan change. We only give them information; we do not recommend on plan over another,” Martinez said.
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