When you look at the system, even folks like me who are not in the senior category have issues at times as the system, along with those in place by the insurers get more complicated every day, so what, who, and where still continue to be on the horizon for trying to figure out the complicated algorithms we have created as a system.
On top of just understanding Medicare, there’s also a pilot program starting in 2 states for Personal Health Records, and little has been announced as far as any help, training or community outreach to help seniors here as well. Personal health records have the potential of saving lives and cutting down medical errors, something pretty important too.
CMS names four PHR vendors for Medicare pilot program and includes Google Health
Why do we do this, create programs and software and yet run so far behind in the education processes and then on the other hand get frustrated when programs do not take off and benefit? As a whole, we are still very much lacking in the education and awareness departments here in the US and where other countries such as China and India are utilizing new information to advance as both countries and individuals with embracing new technologies. BD
A study appearing in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society shows that Medicare beneficiaries' understanding of their healthcare benefits may affect their ability to access needed care effectively and could lead them to the delay or avoid seeking care. In the study, 2,997 White, Black and Hispanic Medicare beneficiaries from across the United States were surveyed. About one-third of the respondents regarded themselves as being unfamiliar or very unfamiliar with their Medicare program. While Blacks and Hispanics were more likely than Whites to be unfamiliar with their Medicare benefits, poorer familiarity with the Medicare system was widespread and stretched across demographic groups.
"This is a problem that affects a substantial portion of the Medicare population and extends across races and ethnicities, and across educational and income levels," Morgan said. "Beneficiaries' understanding of their health benefits ultimately may affect the quality and outcomes of their care. Well designed educational interventions or policies simplifying Medicare benefit programs could have a significant effect on beneficiaries' abilities to get needed care."
Poor Understanding Of Medicare Leads To Worse Healthcare Access
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There is a free program for Medicare beneficiaries in all states and a few Territories, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
ReplyDeleteIf more seniors were aware of their local SHIP programs and took advantage of them, it would go a long way toward alleviating the problems mentioned in your article.
In California, SHIP is run by ,800-434-0222. Here in Illinois, SHIP is run by Illinois Department of Insurance, 800-548-9034.
SHIP counselors are not affiliated with insurance companies, nor do they sell or solicit insurance.
SHIP counselors answer questions about Medicare and related insurance programs (supplemental insurance, Medicare Advantage) and prescription drug coverage through Medicare and other sources. They can help Medicare beneficiaries with Medicare claims/appeals and Medicare beneficiary rights and guarantees.
Medicare is complex, but SHIP can help you navigate the system, whether you are a Medicare beneficiary or you have loved ones who are Medicare beneficiaries.
There is a free program for Medicare beneficiaries in all states and a few Territories, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
ReplyDeleteIf more seniors were aware of their local SHIP programs and took advantage of them, it would go a long way toward alleviating the problems mentioned in your article.
In California, SHIP is run by the California Department of Aging,800-434-0222. Here in Illinois, SHIP is run by the Illinois Department of Insurance, 800-548-9034.
SHIP counselors are not affiliated with insurance companies, nor do they sell or solicit insurance.
SHIP counselors answer questions about Medicare and related insurance programs (supplemental insurance, Medicare Advantage) and prescription drug coverage through Medicare and other sources. They can help Medicare beneficiaries with Medicare claims/appeals and Medicare beneficiary rights and guarantees.
Medicare is complex, but SHIP can help you navigate the system, whether you are a Medicare beneficiary or you have loved ones who are Medicare beneficiaries.
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