Soapbox 1338: Heather Hurd, BCBS Medicare Expert

WCCA TV Executive Director Mauro DePasquale interviews Heather Hurd, BCBS Medicare Expert. Medicare plans are available for people 65 and older and for select individuals with disabilities or specific medical conditions. Late enrollment penalties may apply if you choose not to enroll when initially eligible and may also apply if you choose to enroll at a later date. You might also qualify to delay your insurance if you work for a company or organization that employs 20 or more people. There are two primary ways that eligible individuals get Medicare coverage – through Original Medicare, which is offered by the federal government and covers Medicare Parts A and B, or through complementary Medicare plans, like Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plans, which are offered by private health plans such as BCBS. Medicare Advantage plans include Parts A and B, and many include Part D, which helps cover the cost of prescription drugs, plus a lot of supplemental benefits, such as dental, vision and hearing coverage. Medicare Supplement plans include all of the same benefits as Original Medicare and, with a small monthly premium, help cover the gaps that Original Medicare doesn't cover, like copayments, co-insurance and deductibles. Do you have to enroll in Medicare? What is the landscape for newly eligible Medicare consumers in Massachusetts? Individuals in Massachusetts who recently turned 65 or who will be turning 65 soon and are assessing their Medicare plan options and looking for clarity amidst the confusion. That trend is continuing, especially as the pandemic still impacts where and how individuals are accessing their health care, as well as with several new Medicare health plans entering the market here in Massachusetts. What does Medicare typically cover? The program is not intended to cover all health care services at no cost, but rather to provide a set of basic medical and inpatient needs and about 80% of outpatient care. What is new this year with Medicare plans? Some of Medicare's latest revisions for 2024 include prescription cost ceilings, mental health counselor coverage and chronic pain management coverage. What is the best piece of advice for individuals who are facing Medicare decisions? "Medicare is complicated, so we encourage consumers to understand the basics before they start to shop. They can access helpful information at Medicare.gov, by connecting with counselors at The SHINE Program, or through their local senior center. Individuals can also visit medicare.bluecrossma.org to learn more about Medicare and to sign up for online or in-person educational seminars, hosted by Blue Cross experts." When people understand their plan options, they can make informed choices, for themselves or for their loved ones. If individuals seeking Medicare find a plan that meets their health and wellness needs and that they can afford, they will be more likely to take advantage of their benefits and stay healthy in the long run.