HMO Guide for Seniors - Office of the Patient Advocate - State of ...
HMO Guide for Seniors - Office of the Patient Advocate - State of ...
HMO Guide for Seniors - Office of the Patient Advocate - State of ...
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9<br />
Questions & Answers<br />
How can I learn about <strong>the</strong><br />
Medicare <strong>HMO</strong>s in my<br />
area?<br />
Call 1-800-Medicare<br />
or HICAP. Or go to<br />
Medicare Options Compare<br />
at www.medicare.gov.<br />
I am confused by <strong>the</strong><br />
different plans. How can<br />
I choose one?<br />
It is <strong>of</strong>ten hard to compare<br />
plans. A HICAP counselor<br />
can show you <strong>the</strong> different<br />
plans in your area and help<br />
you compare <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
I have a chronic condition.<br />
What questions should I ask<br />
about a Medicare <strong>HMO</strong>?<br />
See page 44 <strong>for</strong> a list <strong>of</strong><br />
questions to ask. Also ask a<br />
HICAP counselor if your area<br />
has any Special Needs Plans<br />
<strong>for</strong> people with your chronic<br />
condition. These are a kind<br />
<strong>of</strong> Medicare Advantage plan.<br />
things you can do<br />
<br />
Be<strong>for</strong>e You Choose a Plan, Ask:<br />
Does it serve <strong>the</strong> area I live in?<br />
Are people I know happy with <strong>the</strong> plan?<br />
How much will I have to pay?<br />
Does <strong>the</strong> plan cover <strong>the</strong> drugs I use now?<br />
Are my doctors in <strong>the</strong> plan’s network?<br />
Is <strong>the</strong> hospital near my home?<br />
How much will I have to pay if I am in <strong>the</strong><br />
hospital?<br />
What cancer treatments are covered and how<br />
much will I have to pay?<br />
Can I get a doctor who speaks my language?<br />
Does <strong>the</strong> plan <strong>of</strong>fer any extra services that<br />
Medicare does not cover, like vision care?<br />
Does <strong>the</strong> plan <strong>of</strong>fer a shuttle or van service to<br />
help me get to appointments?<br />
where to find help<br />
1-800-Medicare<br />
In<strong>for</strong>mation and help with Medicare<br />
1-800-633-4227 www.medicare.gov<br />
HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy)<br />
Free counseling and in<strong>for</strong>mation on Medicare<br />
1-800-434-0222 www.aging.ca.gov/hicap