More than 57 million seniors and disabled adults depend on Medicare, but too many people struggle to enroll and navigate the complexities of the federal health insurance program, a national advocacy group says.  And with half of all people on Medicare living on annual incomes of $24,150 or less, many can’t afford the co-payments, co-insurance and deductibles associated with their coverage.
“In today’s health care climate, now is the time to seek solutions that make Medicare an even stronger, simpler and more affordable benefit,” said Joe Baker, president of the Medicare Rights Center, which recently released a report examining the most common problems faced by those on Medicare.  For the report, the New York-based nonprofit group, which advocates for affordable health care for older adults and the disabled, analyzed more than 16,000 calls to its consumer helpline in 2015.
The report examines 1) Part B enrollment rules and pitfalls, 2) difficulties with accessing Medicare Advantage health services and Part D prescription drug denials and coverage rules, and 3) financial hardship affording Medicare cost-sharing (where Medicaid pays some of the costs along with Medicare).  All three present as persistent and continuing trends among callers to the national helpline.  Client stories appear throughout the report and the recommendations proposed there would help people with Medicare more readily access affordable, necessary care to manage chronic conditions and sudden, unexpected illness.
The group found that many callers had trouble maneuvering Medicare Part B, which covers outpatient medical care, including most doctor visits, and Medicare Advantage, which allows private health insurance companies to offer Medicare benefits.  Affording their coverage and prescription drugs also proved challenging, with many having little to no savings on top of limited incomes.
Among other things, confusion can cause people to sign up late for Medicare Parts B and D, leading to hefty penalties, including some that can stick for life.
Access the full report here.
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