Fidelis Care encourages seniors and their families to compare the different products available to them for 2017 Medicare Advantage coverage before Medicare open enrollment ends on Dec. 7.
“It’s important for seniors to find the Medicare Advantage product that best meets their needs,” explained Pamela Hassen, Fidelis Care’s chief marketing officer. “At Fidelis Care, we know that researching Medicare plans isn’t always as simple as ABC, which is why we try to provide as many tools and resources as possible to help people make the best decision for themselves.”
When comparing different Medicare Advantage plans, Hassen offers the following research tips:
Add up all possible costs. Consider the monthly premiums, copays, coinsurance, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums each plan presents to estimate your possible costs in 2017.
Fidelis Care Medicare Advantage members can look up their past claims online using the Member Portal, to estimate how much they spent on health care within the previous year.
Balance the price with your health care needs. The Medicare Advantage option you select should offer a good value.
For example, some plans have higher monthly premiums but low copays for provider visits. Other plans have no monthly premium, but higher copays. Determine what works best based on your budget and how often you might need health care.
Check your medications. Always take a look at the plan’s drug formulary to see if your medications are included, as well as how much they will cost you under the plan you are considering. Talk with your provider if you have questions.
Decide on your providers. Make sure the doctors and hospitals you want will accept the plan that you choose. Further, if you’re considering switching providers, make sure they are conveniently located.
To learn more about Fidelis Care’s Medicare Advantage and Dual Advantage products, Hassen encourages individuals to use the Fidelis Affordable Care Advisor on the home page of fideliscare.org. The Affordable Care Advisor lets users quickly estimate the cost of coverage and schedule an appointment with a representative.
About Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage, also referred to as Part C coverage, is a different way to get your Medicare coverage. In addition to your Medicare Part A (Hospital) and Part B (Medical) coverage, Medicare Advantage products may offer additional benefits such as an over-the-counter debit card and a flexible reimbursement account.
Dual Advantage is designed for those individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid coverage. These plans offer comprehensive coverage with little or no cost sharing for the member for covered medical services.
For more information, call 1-800-860-8707, or visit fideliscare.org.
NY State of Health Open Enrollment
In addition to Medicare Advantage products, Fidelis Care offers a range of quality, affordable health insurance products for individuals and families, and now is the perfect time to get covered.
People looking for “metal”-level insurance plans through NY State of Health: the Official Health Plan Marketplace can enroll from Nov. 1, 2016 to Jan. 31, 2017.
Fidelis Care offers a range of metal products (bronze, silver, gold, platinum). Each product offers the same great benefits, including preventive and emergency care, but with different premiums, deductibles and levels of cost-sharing.
Enrollment takes place year-round for Child Health Plus and Medicaid Managed Care as well as for the low-cost Essential Plan for those who qualify because of income.
For more information, call 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-353-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.
