Health Net of California Reminds Reporters: Clock Ticking on Medicare Enrollment
Posted on: Tuesday, 19 December 2006, 15:13 CST
Medicare-eligible Californians have less than two weeks left to choose a new Medicare medical plan.
"It is critical that Medicare-eligible individuals assess their health needs before the end of the year," said Krista Bowers, Medicare Officer for Health Net of California. "After December 31, 2006, individuals may change their Medicare plan only if they stay with the same type of plan they already have."
In choosing the right plan, Bowers suggests that Medicare-eligibles consider "the 4 Cs:" Cost, Copayments, Convenience and Coverage. Start by looking for reasonable costs for monthly premiums and deductibles, along with low copayments for particular prescriptions. Then, "Think about convenience," Bowers stated. "If your plan does not have an agreement with your favorite pharmacy, you will have to spend time traveling to a different drugstore." She noted that Health Net takes steps to make its plans user-friendly, for instance by eliminating deductibles and paperwork, offering mail-order delivery, and providing 24-hour "health coaches."
Coverage is key because every Medicare plan does not cover every medication. "If there are prescription drugs that you currently take, or expect to take, make sure they are covered," said Bowers. "Otherwise, you could wind up with a plan that does not pay for the medications you need."
About Health Net
Health Net of California, a subsidiary of Health Net, Inc. (NYSE:HNT), is one of the largest health plans in California, serving nearly 2.3 million members statewide. It contracts with more than 51,000 physicians, 300 hospitals and 4,600 pharmacies, giving its members greater choice and more convenient access to care. Its commercial, HMO, POS and Medicare lines of business have received the "Excellent" accreditation status from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. For more information about Health Net, visit its Web site at www.healthnet.com.
Source: Business Wire
Related Articles
- Recently Approved Onglyza Is Covered by 44 Percent of Commercial Health Plans But Less Than One Percent of Medicare Plans for The Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
- Health Plan One Launches Enhanced Web Site for Medicare Plans
- Audio: Kaiser Permanente is Colorado's Top Commercial and Medicare Plan on U.S. News & World Report/NCQA 'America's Best Health Plans' List
- Health Alliance Plan Announces New Statewide Medigap Plans and Prescription Drug Plans for 2008
- Democrats Call for Simpler Medicare Plan
- Molina Healthcare Notified of Contract Awards for Special Needs Plans in California, Michigan, Utah and Washington
- Improved Medicare Plans Unveiled
- CORRECTING and REPLACING Health Net Expands Medicare Plan Offerings; Nearly 100 New Plans Key To Company's Cost-Effective Prescription Drug Coverage
- Consumers Paying an Average of $348 Less This Year for HSA-Eligible Health Insurance Plans Compared to 2004
- State: Be Wary of Medicare Plan Pitches
 |
 |
User Comments (0)
RSS Feeds