Perspective               

Medicare&You 2000 Handbook

HCFA, the government agency that runs Medicare, has begun mailing its Medicare&You 2000 handbook to all 39 million people on Medicare. The handbook provides general information about Medicare benefits, including details about new preventive care benefits. The handbook is also available on the Internet at www.medicare.gov.

Read the handbook - it tells you about your Medicare benefits, choices, and rights. But, keep in mind that it doesn't tell the whole story. If you choose a plan based on cost alone, you may later pay a high price if you can't get the care you need. It's like shopping for a car. You can't only look at cost. If we did, everyone would buy the same, cheap car. Many of us are prepared to spend more for cars that offer special safety features. It’s the same with health plans. When choosing a health plan, remember - quality matters. And quality varies between plans. Before joining a plan, find out as much about it as you can

This year, most people on Medicare only have one option other than Original Medicare - a Medicare HMO. Remember, if you are happy with the Medicare coverage you have now, you do not have to do anything. If you are thinking of switching, before choosing a Medicare health plan, consider the following things: one - how much will it cost you, and two - whether you'll get the care you need. Remember - what you see may not be what you get. The doctors in the HMO directory may not be taking new patients or may no longer be in the network. And even if your doctor is in the HMO's network, she might not be able to give you the same care that she gives you now if you join the HMO.

If you have further questions about your Medicare options, call your State Health Insurance and Assistance Program, or SHIP. The number is listed in the back of your Medicare & You handbook. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE. Or call your Senator or Congressperson. They should have staff who can help you.

_________________________________