Questions are answered by experts at OHA, other state agencies or community partners.
Q: Oregon Medicare Advantage plans are shrinking benefits and eliminating plans. This applies to smaller counties mostly but also some that border bigger counties. Brookings (Curry County) loses its advantage plans while mine here in Hood River has gone up $20 per month with other increases. Why not extend Oregon Health Plan (OHP) for the elderly and those with limited incomes? – Rob, Cascade Locks
A: Rob, the current Medicare open enrollment period (through Dec. 7) is a perfect time to review plan options, especially in light of the changing landscape of Medicare Advantage plans you mention. (OHA cannot extend OHP’s income limits. That is a decision for the Legislature and U.S. Congress.)
First, we always recommend people in these situations apply for OHP, even if they think they may not qualify. There are a number of ways Medicare and OHP can be carried simultaneously. Some may also qualify for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) that helps pay Medicare costs such as monthly premiums and potentially copays/deductibles (similar to a Medigap plan). Learn how to apply for OHP and Medicare Savings Programs here.
If someone doesn’t qualify for OHP or MSP, they can contact a local counselor with SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance) who can walk people through their options, and who can also screen eligibility for Low Income Subsidy (LIS) programs to help with prescription drug costs. If it appears the caller is eligible for LIS, the counselor will refer them to Oregon Medicare Savings Connect 855-447-0155 or Social Security Administration. Living in Hood River, you would begin by calling the SHIBA office located at the Mid-Columbia Senior Center in The Dalles at 541-288-8341.
People across Oregon can search here for a SHIBA counselor/office near them.
Lastly, Oregon has received federal approval to offer in-home care to older people and people with disabilities. People who earn incomes too high to qualify for OHP may qualify for these benefits. Learn more here.
Q: What is the difference between Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax COVID-19 vaccines? (The mRNA and non-mRNA vaccines.) - Sharon, Dallas
A: Sharon, all three COVID-19 vaccines work by exposing your immune system to the spike protein from the virus that causes COVID-19, so that you start making antibodies against it. The mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) do this by giving your body the code to make the spike protein. The Novavax vaccine simply gives you the protein – along with an “adjuvant,” which is a substance to boost your immune response to it.
You can learn more about the differences between the three vaccines, including efficacy and possible side effects, here.
If you have questions about health topics in Oregon, submit your question here. Although we are unable to answer every question, we try to address those of interest to a broad audience. Please understand that we are unable to provide specific medical advice for personal medical conditions.
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