They're called snowbirds- northerners who spend at least part of the winter in warmer climes. It's an ancient and honorable practice, dating to shortly after the Civil War. But the advent of managed care has made receiving medical care while snowbirding a little more complicated.
For starters,snowbirds need to make sure their Medicare HMO (also known as a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Complete plan) is valid in the state they'll be wintering in. The easiest way to do this is by calling the plan's customer service number (found on your mrembership card) . Or check the company's website..If a plan isn't valid in your winter area, you need to make other arrangements, possibly changing HMOs....
Medicare recipients have until December 7, 2011 to change plans, UNLESS they are switching to a five-star rated plan. Then they have all year. . A five-star Medicare Advantage plan is one of a select few rated excellent by consumers. Or, between January 1, 2012 and February 14, Medicare recipients can switch back to original Medicare A & B. They won't get many of the extras (hearing,dental, etc), but more doctors wiill accept it. To find a new plan valid in both residential areas, go to ww.medicare.gov/find-a-plan. Consumers who switch back to straight Medicare A & B also need to pick a prescription drug plan (Medicare Part D).
If a plan is accepted in your winter area, the next step is to find a primary care physician.. Most of the major Medicare HMOs have categories on their websites to help members locate participating doctors. Just type in your new zip code and the site will come up with a list of physicians accepting new patients.
Once settled Tenna C. Wiles, CEO of the Palm Beach County (FL) Medical Society, recommends visiting your new doctor.. "The fastest way to establish a relationship is to make an appointment before you're sick. Go in with a summary of your medical records and a list of all your medications. Discuss your concerns and get any prescriptionsor specialist referrals that you need.."
With a little planning snowbirds on Medicare can secure their health care while enjoying their winter nests.#
For starters,snowbirds need to make sure their Medicare HMO (also known as a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Complete plan) is valid in the state they'll be wintering in. The easiest way to do this is by calling the plan's customer service number (found on your mrembership card) . Or check the company's website..If a plan isn't valid in your winter area, you need to make other arrangements, possibly changing HMOs....
Medicare recipients have until December 7, 2011 to change plans, UNLESS they are switching to a five-star rated plan. Then they have all year. . A five-star Medicare Advantage plan is one of a select few rated excellent by consumers. Or, between January 1, 2012 and February 14, Medicare recipients can switch back to original Medicare A & B. They won't get many of the extras (hearing,dental, etc), but more doctors wiill accept it. To find a new plan valid in both residential areas, go to ww.medicare.gov/find-a-plan. Consumers who switch back to straight Medicare A & B also need to pick a prescription drug plan (Medicare Part D).
If a plan is accepted in your winter area, the next step is to find a primary care physician.. Most of the major Medicare HMOs have categories on their websites to help members locate participating doctors. Just type in your new zip code and the site will come up with a list of physicians accepting new patients.
Once settled Tenna C. Wiles, CEO of the Palm Beach County (FL) Medical Society, recommends visiting your new doctor.. "The fastest way to establish a relationship is to make an appointment before you're sick. Go in with a summary of your medical records and a list of all your medications. Discuss your concerns and get any prescriptionsor specialist referrals that you need.."
With a little planning snowbirds on Medicare can secure their health care while enjoying their winter nests.#
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