Healthcare Issues Team Learns About Medicare Options and Access
Published on 7/11/2022
The Healthcare Issues Team met on June 20 to hear from Scott Opsahl from SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors). This session followed on the January 17 Health Issues Team meeting, at which members learned about Direct Contract Entities (DCEs), a new Medicare pilot payment model recently implemented by the Center for Medicare Services (CMS). Our June meeting provided an opportunity for members to better understand Medicare options.
Opsahl answered questions about Medicare, identifying two tracks—Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage—while explaining the differences between the two. He responded to questions about how to switch between the two, open enrollment periods, and Medigap policies. He strongly recommended that persons review their prescription drug, Medigap, and Medicare Advantage plans each year to determine which plan(s) would be most beneficial for them. He provided a local phone number for SHIBA for questions, 360-788-2725.