Understanding the Changes in Medicare

SAN FRANCISCO—If you are a Medicare beneficiary, you may have received a letter or two, or even more from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Social Security Administration, California Department of Insurance, and from the various health and drug plans, mentioning about the changes in Medicare.

One of the changes is the date of open enrollment for Medicare Advantage plans and the Medicare Prescription Drug Program, which is going on now from October 15^th through December 7,2011.

As expected, many insurance agents will engage in various marketing and sales efforts. The California Department of Insurance is alerting seniors and their advocates to be on guard against unreasonable sales practices during the annual enrollment period.

Knowledge gives seniors and persons with disabilities an edge. Community education is the key to fighting unscrupulous and illegal sales practices, as well as in receiving low-income assistance programs such as the Extra-Help for part D and Medicare Savings Program for part B and A.

The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of the Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco is a City funded program that provides up-to-date information, referral and assistance for seniors and persons with disabilities.

ADRC is funded by the San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) and works closely with DAAS, Integrated Intake Unit, the Independent Living Resource Center of San Francisco (ILRCSF), Self-help for the Elderly (SHE), and the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP).

To learn more, or would want to hear a presentation on the changes and low income assistance in Medicare benefits for your group or for yourself, please call the ADRC at 415-487-3370. ADRC main office is located at Canon Kip Senior Center on 705 Natoma Street in San Francisco.