 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
HIICAP . . .Moran puts it like this, “I counsel seniors on the Medicare choices that are best for them. I don't sell products, I don't endorse plans. I educate, inform, enlighten and give assistance.” “When you are on Medicare, it's all individual, it's no longer a family or group plan option. It's a person-by-person plan. Your original Medicare covers your hospital, doctor, and labs, but only at 80 percent. Your are always left with a 20 percent hole and that's what the supplemental plans are about,' she explained. Moran examines each person's case, taking into consideration health, prescription needs, age and income to find the best way to reduce the burden of that 20 percent gap in coverage. Moran and her clients work together, carefully looking at all the costs, details, and options. She begins by making sure they understand what original Medicare covers, and what they may or may not get with supplemental or advantage plans. “We try to maximize what they get for their dollars. We want them to understand their choices before they make a decision,” she said. Moran says that she frequently finds that seniors are involved in prescription plans that do not cover their particular drugs. They are so inundated with complex information from so many sources, that they often choose a plan because they recognize its name and fail to realize that it may not cover their individual medication. Here's where Moran can really help, and she is committed to making sure that her clients do not make that mistake. Moran believes that every senior that can financially qualify for EPIC ( New York 's Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Program) should be in EPIC because it lowers their out of pocket medication costs. With Medicare, when you reach a certain drug expenditure, the cost reverts from the plan to you. “It can be catastrophic; you pay the full cost for drugs from $2510 to $4500. If you are in EPIC, it jumps in there and helps out. I want to be sure that everybody who is eligible is in EPIC,” she stated. So how can you get Moran's help with your special Medicare situation? Moran counsels people individually, making home visits when necessary. She also does group presentations at senior centers, health fairs or other senior venues. Her counseling is free to residents of Albany County and you can reach her at 935-2307. Moran is often out during the day, so she encourages callers to leave a message. Upcoming HIICAP Presentations:
|
