March 5, 2011 Meeting
ARE YOU COVERED?
Saturday March 5th began our two part series about Medicare and private insurance coverage. Our speaker Judy Lyons from HICAP knows Medicare inside out and gave us so much information specific to our enrollment, benefits and all of the available Parts A, B, C, D & F. They all serve differently and it was very interesting to hear about the penalties that can be assessed if you delay enrollment in certain plans at the time of eligibility. Yikes!! Who knew?
She knows the necessary laws & rules about how and when to convert from private insurance to Medicare as well as how the two can work together. There is an open enrollment period at the end of each year for beginning or changing your prescription Drug (Part D) Plan. Judy can review your plan and recommend one that works well for you.
Everyone on Medicare gets an annual book called “Medicare & You”. You can read this 138 page book containing your Medicare information; you can get on the internet and search for the best Prescription Drug Plan or you can call HICAP at 223-0999 and they will do it for you at no cost. This is a valuable local service and they welcome your calls.
Nicole Kaufman’s mom has MS and works for a local neurosurgeon. She presented information about an opportunity that has come up that you may want to be a part of . . .
Redding is being considered for a trial of a new MS drug. Dr. Saleh, a local neurosurgeon, has been asked to take a look at this phase 2 trial. They are looking for people who are currently taking one of the interferon drugs (Avonex, Beta Seron). This is a blind study of a new drug (pill form) that they hope will help with fatigue and quality of life. The specifics of how this drug works are very interesting. In order for this trial to proceed there must be enough interested participants. If you are interested or just want to learn more, please contact Nicole Kaufmann at http://www.nkaufmann87@gmail.com.
Next month on April 2nd we will have Bob Bishop an independent insurance agent who will talk about private insurance and Medicare Supplements. Bob comes highly recommended and finds plans to best fit your needs.
Until then, see you at HOPE 4 MS on Facebook where we share information among just our group.
BE WELL!!!