Offline
Background
Name: AARP
Birthday: July 1
Location:
Nashville, Tennessee
United States
Quote:
"What we do, we do for all.'' _ Ethel Percy Andrus

About Me

AARP includes more than 700,000 members in Tennessee. The active and diverse volunteers are part of seven regional teams across the state from the Tri-Cities to Memphis. Advocacy efforts to improve long-term care in Tennessee and improvements for Medicare in Washington were among successful efforts in 2008. This year, much of our focus is on improving the quality of care in nursing homes and health care reform on the federal level

Interests:

My Photos (215)

My Videos (1)

My Journals (158)

 
Tennessee seniors: The shopping season has begun. Not for holiday gifts, but for the best Medicare plan for you.
Medicare recipients have until December 31 to add, drop or change prescription drug and health care plans for 2010. 
 
It’s especially important to look around for the best deal now, because health care premiums and drug prices are expected to rise significantly next year and you want to make sure you’re getting the most for your money.
A new AARP Public Policy Institute analysis of 2010 Medicare Part D prescription drug plans finds that most of the most popular national plans have increased premiums and cost-sharing for next year.
 
Some plans will require co-payments of close to $100 for some brand name drugs. Others will require enrollees to pay a percentage of their drugs’ prices—instead of fixed co-payments—for all medicines except generics.
 
Also, those of you with Medicare Advantage plans may have to find a new provider because some insurers are withdrawing from the program. Or you may want to find another provider because some Medicare Advantage plans are raising their premiums – by an average of 25 percent. Despite what you may have heard, that has nothing to do with the health care reform debate happening in Washington.
Insurers that operate Medicare Advantage plans are reacting to new payment rates from the federal government. Those payment cuts – announced in April – were actually required by a measure in the Budget Reduction Act of 2006 to prevent Medicare Advantage plans from inflating payments.
People in Medicare can compare Medicare Advantage plans head-to-head by using the health plan finder at Medicare's web site.  Seniors who need help finding a prescription drug or Medicare Advantage plan can also contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227. Or you can reach out to a counselor with the State Health Insurance Assistance Program or SHIP.   
 
The AARP Bulletin looks at trends in Medicare drug plan costs for 2010.  Its web site also provides a step-by-step guide to comparing drug plans and finding the best plan for you.
                                                                                                                                         
``Even if you’re happy with your coverage right now, you need to watch carefully for changes in your plan for 2010. Talk to your doctor, look at your options and find a plan that best fits your needs and your budget,’’ said AARP Tennessee Communications Director Karin Miller. “Making a smart decision now can pay off big next year.’’
Added: November 16, 2009
Views: 33 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
Tennesseboy says:

Where is the AARP local chapter in the TRI-Cities are and when and where do they meet?
Posted: July 9, 2009 9:25AM EDT
AARPTN says:

send me your contact information (kmiller@aarp.org) and i'll hook you up with the chapter and/or our regional impact team leader in the tri-cities.
Posted: July 9, 2009 10:42AM EDT
Add your Comments:

  Submit