California Health Advocates (CHA) now has new online tools to help both English and Spanish-speaking beneficiaries and their families review Medicare coverage and their options for 2009.
One tool is CHA's Medicare podcasts. [Podcasts are online audio clips that users can listen to on their computer.] They are available in English and Spanish at cahealthadvocates.org/podcast. They cover:
- An overview of Medicare, including:
- What Medicare is and its four parts (Medicare Parts A-D);
- Programs for people with low-income; and
- Where to get help with Medicare questions; and
- Medicare Fall Enrollment: Briefly describes the annual election period (November 15-December 31) when beneficiaries can enroll into, disenroll from or switch between Medicare Advantage plans and Part D prescription drug plans. Provides tips on what to consider when making a change in your Medicare coverage.
- Medicare & Low-Income Programs: Reviews Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program), the Medicare Savings Programs, and the Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (or extra help) program, all of which may help you cover some of your Medicare health care costs if you meet the income/asset qualifications.
- Medicare & Appeals: Provides an overview of important appeal rights if Medicare, your Medicare Advantage plan, or your Part D prescription drug plan denies payment for, or coverage of, services.
| 