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221 West 1st Street Duluth, MN 55802 218.722.5545 or: 800.232.0707 |
| Medicare and other Benefits
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| Medicare is a federal health insurance program that covers most individuals ages 65 and over and people under 65 who receive Social Security cash payments due to disability. People with end-stage renal disease are entitled to Medicare regardless of age. Eligibility for Medicare is determined by the Social Security Administration. Medicare consists of four parts: • PART A - Hospital Insurance. It covers inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility, hospice and home health care. For most people, Part A is free, meaning there will be no monthly premium imposed; however there are costs associated with Part A such as deductibles and coinsurances. • PART B - Medical Insurance. It covers physician and outpatient hospital care, lab tests, ambulance service, medical supplies and home health. There is a monthly premium for this part of Medicare, which changes annually. Other costs associated with Part B may be annual deductibles and co-insurance charges. • PART C - refers to managed care plans that provide Part A and B benefits to enrollees. Formerly called “Medicare + Choice” now called “Medicare Advantage.” • PART D - refers to the new outpatient prescription drug benefit that will be implemented in 2006. More information on the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit. Medicare Supplement Because of gaps in Medicare’s coverage (deductibles and coinsurance costs), most seniors have some form of supplemental coverage. In Minnesota, there are four common ways to supplement Medicare coverage: • A Medigap policy from a private insurance company • A Managed Care plan • A Medicare + Choice (Medicare Advantage) Private Fee for Service plan • Medicare supplemental coverage through an employer retiree health plan Any of the above options will pay most or all of the co-insurance and deductible amounts. There is a premium (annual or monthly) for Medicare supplemental insurance, which varies dependent on coverage purchased. This premium is in addition to the Medicare premium. |
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| Seeking Members to Serve on the Advisory Committee on Aging The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) is seeking persons of minority to serve on the Advisory Committee on Aging. The Committee guides the activites of the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging. Persons age 60+ are especially encouraged to apply. For more information or for an application, contact Kara Edwards at 218-529-7520 |
| Care Consultant Services
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