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| The official medicare website is located at : http://www.medicare.gov/ How to find a prescription plan under medicare: http://www.medicare.gov/MPDPF/Public/Include/DataSection/Questions/MPDPFIntro.asp?version=default&browser=IE%7C6%7CWinXP&language=English&defaultstatus=0&pagelist=Home&ViewType=Public&PDPYear=2006&MAPDYear=2006&MPDPF%5FMPPF%5FIntegrate=N From the looks of it there are 2 types of plans you can join: Plans include HMOs, PPOs, and Private-Fee-for-Service plans. They offer complete Medicare-covered health care, including drug coverage, through a single plan. Most of these plans generally offer extra benefits and lower copayments than the Original Medicare Plan. However, you may have to see doctors that belong to the plan or go to certain hospitals to get services. FROM NORD again: Knowing Your Health History Could Save Your Life Most Americans believe that knowing their family health history can be beneficial, but only about one-third have actually tried to gather and record information about family health, according to a recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Furthermore, the discussion of family history between physician and patient typically lasts just a few minutes. "But knowing your family history can save your life," US Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona said at a press conference in November to launch a project known as the Family History Initiative. As part of this project, the Department of Health and Human Services has created a new computerized tool, called "My Family Health Portrait," that can be downloaded at www.hhs.gov/familyhistory/ to help in the process. Francis S. Collins, MD, PhD, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, noted that all people have genetic abnormalities that make them more susceptible to certain illnesses. Tracking illnesses from one generation of a family to the next can help identify illnesses for which the family is at risk. This may allow family members, working with their physicians, to take steps to reduce their risk. The tool guides users through a series of screens to record information for each family member about six common diseases. Other conditions may also be added. After the information has been collected, a diagram can be printed and shared with a physician. All personal information is maintained on the user's computer. No information is given to the government. Eventually, the tool will be available in both English and Spanish. Also, a print version will be provided to those who call the Federal Citizen Information Center at (888) 878-3256. The federal employees who have worked on this project, from the National Institutes of Health, Surgeon General's office and CDC, hope families will take advantage of being together over the holidays to compile a health history. "It is our hope as families gather this holiday season, they'll take the time to learn-and record-their families' health histories so that they can continue to have years of family gatherings together," said Muin Khoury, MD, director of CDC's Office of Genomics and Disease Prevention. MEDICAID ALERT: Medicare/Medicaid Information regarding insurance with medicare: You automatically qualify for extra help and don't need to apply if you: have Medicare and full coverage from a state Medicaid program that currently pays for your prescriptions. You should join a plan that meets your needs by December 31, 2005 because Medicaid will no longer pay for prescription drugs. If you don't, Medicare will enroll you in a plan effective January 1, 2006 so you don't miss a day of coverage. You can drop the plan or switch to another any time. get help from your state Medicaid program paying your Medicare premiums (belong to a Medicare Savings Program). You should join a plan that meets your needs by December 31, 2005. If you haven't signed up by May 15, 2006, Medicare will enroll you in a plan effective June 1, 2006 so you don't have to pay a penalty. You can drop the plan or switch to another any time. get Supplemental Security Income. You should join a plan that meets your needs by December 31, 2005. If you haven't signed up by May 15, 2006, Medicare will enroll you in a plan effective June 1, 2006 so you don't have to pay a penalty. If Medicare enrolled you in a prescription drug plan, you can switch to another plan one time before December 31, 2006. |
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| Appeals Form |
| If you are having trouble with medicare denying your compression garments, contact Bob Weiss. He can help you with your appeal and the form is above. Email Bob at: lymphactivist@aol.com |
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| Save Medicare Act 2008 |
