Fidelis Care Offers Tips for Seniors Choosing Medicare Advantage Coverage

Fidelis Care, the New York State Catholic Health Plan, reminds seniors to carefully consider their healthcare needs when choosing their Medicare coverage for 2015. Medicare 2015 open enrollment ends Dec. 7.

Seniors can choose traditional Medicare or a Medicare Advantage product. Commonly known as Part C, Medicare Advantage provides insurance for hospitalization and inpatient care (Part A) as well as doctors’ services, outpatient care and some preventive services (Part B). It may also include prescription coverage (Part D).

“Medicare Advantage products can be attractive because they offer extra benefits, ranging from vision and dental care to flexible spending benefits and in some cases, over-the-counter cards for health-related items,” said Pamela Hassen, Fidelis Care’s chief marketing officer. “In designing Fidelis Care’s Medicare Advantage products for 2015, our goal was to continue to offer affordable coverage and the key benefits that mean the most to members.”

Fidelis Care offers the following Medicare Advantage products: Fidelis Medicare Advantage Flex, Fidelis Medicare Advantage $0 Premium and Fidelis Medicare Advantage without Rx. Dual Advantage products, for individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, are also available.

In comparing Medicare Advantage products, Hassen recommends seniors consider:

Price: Is it a good value? Is it more economical to pay a monthly premium and $0 copay for primary care visits, or $0 monthly premium and a copay?

Product: Which option has benefits that are most in line with your health care needs? Are your prescription drugs in the plan’s formulary? Can flex spending help offset costs?

Providers: Are the participating doctors and hospitals convenient for you?

New this year, Fidelis Care has an online tool to help seniors who are interested in Medicare Advantage products. Found on Fidelis Care’s website, fideliscare.org, the Fidelis Affordable Care Advisor compares available plans, benefits, and costs, along with the benefits and costs associated with Original Medicare. Seniors only need to enter basic information, including name, date of birth, zip code and household income. The Fidelis Affordable Care Advisor also allows users to schedule an appointment with a representative who can assist with enrollment.

For more information, call 1-800-860-8707, visit fideliscare.org, or meet with a representative at a Fidelis Care Community Office location.

The Ridgewood Community Office is located at 1674 Putnam Ave., Ridgewood, NY 11385. Call 718-896-2694.

The Sunset Park Community Office is located at 837 58th St., 4th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11220. Call 718-633-5308.