Retirement News : Seniors : Finding support for seniors with medical questions

Finding support for seniors with medical questions

Date Added: 19-10-2005

Candace Roeder answers medical questions for seniors in the Auburn area.  Read the excerpt below.

Auburn Journal - Auburn,CA,USA

By: Candace Roeder
Monday, October 17, 2005

Dear Candace:

I am in need of some help figuring out my medical bills. Between my Medicare coverage and my secondary insurance coverage and the billings I receive from my doctor's office, I am so confused about what I owe and to whom that I can't see straight. Also, I have received information about the new Medicare Drug coverage benefit and am feeling quite overwhelmed, confused and bewildered. Is there anyone who can help me sort these things out? - Terri

Dear Terri:

The short answer is yes, but I'll give you the long one anyway. There are really two entities who can assist you, one is free and one is for a fee; however, they are quite different services. It just depends on what you are looking for in the way of assistance.

First, there is HICAP. HICAP stands for Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (now you see why we call it HICAP). HICAP is a volunteer supported program that provides assistance with Medicare problems and help with health insurance and long term care insurance. The program provides unbiased information to help you make the best choices for your individual health care needs. HICAP does not sell, endorse nor recommend any specific insurance. HICAP assistance is free, and includes community education services and individual counseling.

HICAP serves anyone who receives Medicare benefits, designated representatives of Medicare beneficiaries, individuals planning for retirement and Medicare recipients contemplating the purchase of a secondary insurance or long term care insurance.

Read the entire article:

http://www.auburnjournal.com/articles/2005/10/18/news/community/03seniors_page.txt