Information on Medicare with the Viva Medicare Cafe

The folks from the Viva Medicare Cafe in Mobile stopped by Studio10 with some important information on Medicare.  Below is a list of questions and answers discussed on the show.

What is Medicare?
A federal system of health insurance for people over 65 years of age and for certain younger people with disabilities.

How can you supplement your Medicare Coverage?
Medicare only covers 80 percent so most seniors elect additional coverage to cut out of pocket expenses. You can choose a supplement to Medicare which picks up the 20 percent that Medicare does not cover. If you choose a supplement you would need to add a plan that covers prescriptions known as Part D. Or you can choose a Medicare Advantage Plan like VMP which covers your doctor, hospital and drug benefits with one plan.
 
What is AEP?
Annual Enrollment Period occurs each year when Medicare recipients can make changes to their coverage. It is very important to pay close attention to your choices and research your options because you don’t get a second chance to change your plan this year. This year AEP has earlier dates from
Oct. 15 to Dec 7.

How can people contact VMP?
VMP can be contacted by calling 1-888-830-VIVA (8482), visiting our website www.makingmedicareeasy.com or by stopping by our VIVA Medicare Café's in Birmingham, Montgomery, and or Mobile.
 
What are the Medicare Star Ratings?
The Star Rating is a rating given to each Medicare Advantage plan. It is designed to give beneficiaries a single summary score that will help make it easy for them to compare plans based on quality and performance. . The overall score is based on 57 separate measures that rank member satisfaction, access to appropriate care, and managing chronic conditions, among other things. Summary scores for all Medicare Advantage plans can be found at www.medicare.gov by searching health plans by zip code. Medicare officials are seeking authority to eliminate health plans that earn less than three stars three years in a row.

VIVA Medicare Café's in Mobile.
907 Hillcrest Road Suite G, Mobile AL 36695
(Between Airport Blvd and Grelot Road)
1-888-830-VIVA (8482)
www.makingmedicareeasy.com