Kathleen, It is great thing that you are looking out for your father in-laws best interest. You should look over what Medicare covers as well as what the plan covers for nursing homes, hospital stays and assisted living, etc...
Having my father in-law live with us has forced us to become familar with Medicare, Medicaid and providers of Medicare Advantage plans and supplements.
So I feel your pain... role reversal... now it is our turn, our parents (in-laws) watched out for our best interest when we were children now we need to take the time and make an effort to watch out for theirs. ( even if their own children don't ) There is a special reward in heaven for those that care for elderly parents, in-laws, aunts or uncles.
When you bought your house, or car, you needed to become the expert. You have to have a working knowledge to ensure that his ever changing health needs will be met. This is something that you need to be on top of, like your bank statement to ensure that as his health declines, that the policy is there with him and to adjust accordingly.
Go to the Medicare website www.medicare.gov or call them and see where that gets you. Their customer service should at least be well versed in Medicare. Shine is an organization, as well as senior centers in your area may be of some help but their knowledge is limited " Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services, http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ you can find more information.
As Shaun states" Long-term care is not a Medicare covered benefit, you would need Long-Term Care insurance for that.
To my knowledge you still have an opportunity to change to a "like plan" until March 31, but you will need to review the new coverage to see if they meet your expectations. Also review when it states that it covers only what Medicare covers, it is ambiguous (Medicare). So for that you need the booklet Medicare Made Clear or Made Easy.
SEP is short for Special Election Period, it can only used if you have moved out of the service area that the plan services, i.e. the county, or state. This may be an option if the health of the individual changes and they qualify as a chronic illness: Diabetes, COPD, Arthritis, Asthma, Hypertension, and several others. You can chose another plan.
By the why my husband and I became agents for a Medicare Advantage Plan and supplement company. I hope this helps you. Find an agent you can trust and is credible by referal from a friend or acquintance. Although the company is credible, the agent can put the person in a plan that he is not suited for. For the most part, at least the top companies are closely monitored by CMS for ethics, etc...
Susan, honey, they did not let him go anywhere... the skilled nursing facility with no CT scan. You did and the doctor, dah. Stop blaming others for what you should take full responsibility for. The doctors office should have looked into all of the details before sending him their and you should have asked informed questions of them.
AARP, is not an insurance company.that is clearly stated on the commercials. It is a membership for people over 50, but you should know that.
Medicare A and B only covers 80%, the beneficiary is responsible for the other 20%. I can't imagine what 20% of two brain surgeries, etc... would cost you with Medicare alone.
Get educated before you make comments that show that you do not know what you are talking about.
