Medicare Watch

When Will Reforms Take Effect?

Now that the final health reform package has been signed into law, people with Medicare are wondering when reforms will affect them. While some provisions take effect immediately, such as a $250 rebate for people who fall into the Part D coverage gap, or “doughnut hole,” in 2010, implementation of reform will span the coming decade. To help sort it all out, Medicare Rights has developed a timeline of health care reform and Medicare. View the timeline.

One of the major benefits of health reform for people with Medicare is the phase-out of the Part D doughnut hole, which takes place over ten years. Medicare Rights has created a chart that details how much people must pay for drugs in each year until 2020, when the phase-out is complete. View the chart.

Medicare and You: Improving Consumer Education

This week, Medicare Rights submitted comments on a draft of the 2011 Medicare & You handbook. The comments address content
and formatting in an effort to improve the accuracy and readability of this important document for consumers. Read the comments.

Case Flash

Shortly after Mr. R turned 65, an insurance agent convinced him to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan instead of a supplemental insurance policy, also known as a Medigap. Mr. R soon realized that he did not understand how his plan worked. A MedicareRightsCenter counselor explained the difference between private plans and Medigap plans so that Mr. R could make an informed decision.

Read the full Case Flash.

Spotlight

In the wake of health reform’s passage, media outlets have turned to Medicare Rights to provide clear, accurate information about how reform will affect people with Medicare. In a recent article in the Providence Journal, Medicare Rights President Joe Baker weighed in. Read the article.