Opening a dialog: communicating with retirees about Medicare+Choice
Article Abstract:
Employers need to develop a retiree medical program that fully addresses the issues associated with Medicare+Choice. Proper communication allows employers to provide useful information to retirees that would guide them in making a health plan choice and prevent confusion regarding plans available in the marketplace and those sponsored by employers. Communication between employers and retirees is possible through the use of print and telephone, advance announcements and other media. The educational materials available from the Health Care Financing Administration would also be of great help to retirees. The role and responsibilities of health plans in communicating with retirees are discussed.
Publication Name: Benefits Quarterly
Subject: Human resources and labor relations
ISSN: 8756-1263
Year: 1999
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Puzzling out the new Medicare: how plan sponsors can understand and use Medicare+Choice to benefit their members and themselves
Article Abstract:
Sponsors of retiree medical plans face a host of daunting issues with the passage of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and the subsequent introduction of the Medicare+Choice program. Medicare+Choice allows health care providers to contract with the Health Care Financing Administration to take full responsibility and cost risk associated with giving medical care to Medicare recipients. The program offers plan sponsors a chance to expand retirees' choice of benefits, eliminate the cost risk related to supplemental postretirement medical benefits, reduce administrative burden, increase benefit levels and enhance value to retirees.
Publication Name: Benefits Quarterly
Subject: Human resources and labor relations
ISSN: 8756-1263
Year: 1999
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Medicare+Choice - cost and funding issues for Medicare risk plans
Article Abstract:
The introduction of Medicare+Choice as mandated by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 would result in significant changes to Medicare and medical benefits provided to retirees. Medicare+Choice gives beneficiaries more options in the benefits contained in the Medicare program while allowing them to still choose traditional Medicare. The cost and financing of Medicare risk plans are also affected by Medicare+Choice. A background on Medicare reimbursement as well as the mechanics of Medicare risk contracts and changes to risk contracting under Medicare+Choice are discussed.
Publication Name: Benefits Quarterly
Subject: Human resources and labor relations
ISSN: 8756-1263
Year: 1999
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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