SHINE Questions & Answers
Deborah Sadowy, Regional SHINE Director
SHINE Questions & Answers
Deborah Sadowy, Regional SHINE Director
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Q. I am losing my Kaiser Permanete Medicare supplement as of December 31,1999; what options do I have?
A. Kaiser Permanete will send a letter sometime in September to let
their over 65 supplement members know what to do.
Q. Do you know what the letter will say?
A. According to the most recent information SHINE has obtained, Kaiser
will inform it's members of the choices they now have in Berkshire County,
which are:
Blue Cross/ Blue Shield Medex (800-258-2226) AARP United Health Care
(800-523-5800) Allianz attained through several associations including
the National Rifle Association which is open to anyone. (800-247-7989).
Kaiser may also inform you of a proposed open enrollment period which
potentially may happen between September and December.
Q. Can I get information about the differences in each of the insurances?
A. Yes, you need to call the phone numbers noted above and compile insurance
information then choose the company that will meets your needs. Some of
the concerns you may want to survey are, deductibles, copay, long term
care, and prescription drug coverage. Sometime these vary and could make
a difference in the amount of premium. You can also meet with a SHINE volunteer
who can review the coverage of the various options so you can make an informed
decision on a new health insurance plan.
Q. Will my premiums change?
A. Most likely they will. Blue Cross/ Blue Shield, Core is $59.38, Supplement
1 is $111.25 and Supplement 2 $286.26. AARP United Health care, Core $71.50,
Supplement 1 $113.75 and Supplement 2 $286.00 Allianz ( no current premium
information available) All have a proposed premium increase before the
Commissioner of Insurance.
Q. Can a SHINE counselor help me choose my coverage?
A. Counselors can help to make sure you have all the information you
need but they cannot tell you what to do. You will have to make the choice.
A. There are federal programs if you are on a fixed income of $707 for
an individual or $942 for a couple. You may qualify for QMB (Qualified
Medicare Beneficiary). If as an individual your income is $844.00 per month
or as a couple is $1,126.00 per month you may qualify for SLMB (Specified,
low-income Medicare Beneficiary) If your income is too high for SLMB,
you may qualify for QI-1(Qualifying individuals) with an income of $947.00
individual and $1,265.00 a couple. However funds in the QI-1 are limited
and applications are on a first come basis. For all of these programs your
savings must be less than $4,000.00 individual and $6,000.00 a couple.
Q.Where can I get more information and talk with someone about the impact of these health insurance changes?
A. You can call your Regional SHINE Program Director at Elder Services at 499-0524 or the local Council on Aging, where SHINE counselors are availible to assist you. (List of SHINE locations in box.) In addition Congressmen Olver is requesting stories regarding the impact of Kaiser leaving and other health care and prescription drug issues. Congressman Olver's address is: Federal Building, 78 Center St. Pittsfield, 442-0946.