Medicare Monthly News

Ohio Department of Insurance sent this bulletin at 10/01/2024 02:00 PM EDT

October 2024

older adults at a medicare informational event

Statewide OSHIIP Events Underway to Prepare Ohioans for Medicare Open Enrollment

The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) has launched its annual statewide Medicare Checkup events to help Ohioans prepare for Medicare open enrollment, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, for 2025 coverage. OSHIIP, part of the Ohio Department of Insurance, offers virtual and in-person events, providing insight about Medicare coverage. These events include information about Medicare basics, plan comparisons, prescription coverage, financial assistance, and cost-saving tips.

Before Oct. 15, the focus is on educational presentations, while after the enrollment period starts, personalized plan comparisons and one-on-one counseling will be available. With annual changes in plans, it is essential to review benefits, costs, and coverage details. Medicare 2025 plan information is available at medicare.gov.

Ohioans can find the full Medicare Checkup events schedule, search by county, and register for events, and also register for webinars, at insurance.ohio.gov. For personalized OSHIIP assistance, Ohioans can schedule virtual appointments, email oshiipmail@insurance.ohio.gov, and call 800-686-1578.

_________________________________________________________________________

Differences Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage

When enrolling in Medicare for the first time or during open enrollment, individuals can choose how to receive their health insurance coverage, with two main options available: Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

Original Medicare includes Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). After paying a deductible, Medicare covers a portion of the costs, and the individual is responsible for the remaining balance. If prescription drug coverage (Part D) is desired, a separate plan must be added.

Medicare Advantage (Part C), offered by private companies, bundles Parts A, B, and usually D. These plans may also include extra benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as fitness programs and routine vision, hearing, and dental services.

Choosing between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage affects costs, coverage, and access to doctors, making it an important decision for enrollees.

_________________________________________________________________________

picture of man looking at computer taking notes

Navigating Medicare Ads and Sales Pitches

During the Medicare open enrollment period many Ohioans will encounter a surge of advertisements promoting "the best" health plan deals, often encouraging them to "call now!"

However, not all plans are the same, and some offers may seem too good to be true. It's important for Ohioans on Medicare to understand what health plans and marketers are prohibited from doing to ensure they choose a plan that truly fits their needs.

_________________________________________________________________________

Stay Alert for Scams During Medicare Open Enrollment

Ohioans on Medicare are urged to be vigilant against scams targeting their personal information during the Medicare open enrollment period.

Fraudulent communications may ask for personal information or money in exchange for services like enrollment assistance, scheduling health services, signing up for a Part D prescription drug plan or Medicare health plan coverage, or claiming to assist with issuing a new Medicare card.

_________________________________________________________________________

CMS Asking Public to Help Protect Against Medicare Hospice Fraud

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is calling for public support to help protect Medicare beneficiaries from hospice fraud. Criminals are targeting older Americans by stealing their Medicare numbers and personal health information. CMS has created a Hospice Fraud Prevention Toolkit with resources to raise awareness and prevent fraud.

Scammers often lure Medicare recipients with offers of free in-home services, such as cooking or cleaning, while secretly enrolling them in hospice care. These fraudulent enrollments allow criminals to bill Medicare unlawfully. Fraudsters use various tactics, including door-to-door visits, false advertising, phone calls, and emails, to carry out these schemes.

Hospice care is meant for individuals who are terminally ill, and the decision to receive this care should only be made by the patient and their doctor.

To help combat this, CMS encourages individuals and organizations to share the Hospice Fraud Prevention Toolkit, which includes articles and social media posts in both English and Spanish. These resources aim to educate people with Medicare, their families, and caregivers on how to recognize and prevent hospice fraud.

For more information on Medicare fraud and how to report it, visit medicare.gov/fraud.

_________________________________________________________________________

Newsletter Archive

Medicare Information

OSHIIP Facebook

Sign Up For More ODI News!

The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Text 988 or CHAT WITH THE 988 LIFELINE.

50 West Town St - Suite 300, Columbus OH, 43215

Consumer Services 800-686-1526
Medicare Information 800-686-1578 | Fraud & Enforcement 800-686-1527

insurance.ohio.gov

Stay Connected with the Ohio Department of Insurance:

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Manage Subscriptions | Unsubscribe All | Help