Help Toni:

At church last week, we were discussing the new Obamacare insurance and are not sure if I should enroll in it.  I am 68 year old male, retired last year and have a Medicare Advantage plan.  I’ve been told that I need to disenroll since Medicare open enrollment starts soon and enroll in Obamacare and that I won’t have to pay as much as I do with my prescriptions if I enrolled in Obamacare.

I really don’t know what to do and really do not want to make a mistake.  I am getting so much mail about Medicare that I need help sorting thru what you call in your column the maze of Medicare.

Looking forward to what you have to say…John from Indianapolis, Indiana

Oh My John:

I have been asked this question, about what a person who has Medicare should do in regards to enrolling in Obamacare, every day since healthcare reform’s (Obamacare) Open Enrollment began on October 1st.

Should someone that already has Medicare enroll in Obamacare?  Absolutely NOT!!

            Obamacare or the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is the government’s health plan for those uninsured and under 65….Medicare is for those 65 or older or those under 65 who have a disability, have qualified for Medicare and have their Medicare red, white and blue card.

Those who already have Medicare do not need to do anything in regards to Obamacare. Many seniors are totally confused as to whether Obamacare means cuts or changes to their Medicare benefits.  Some of the confusion may be because Medicare’s open enrollment period overlaps with open enrollment for the uninsured to comply with Obamacare.

Medicare beneficiaries, who want to change their Part C Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Part D plan, can do so during Medicare’s open enrollment period which is October 15th through December 7th.

In chapters 5-7 of my book, the Medicare Survival Guide, I explain the different types of Medicare Advantage plans available and also what is Medicare Part D and an easy way to understand “what is the donut hole” and how to use your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan wisely.

One thing people on Medicare need to understand is that Obamacare is not replacing Medicare.  Medicare is as strong as ever and is here for everyone who is enrolled in it. Medicare is not going away!!

Do you need help understanding your Medicare options, Toni’s last 2 Confused about Medicare workshops for 2013 are:

  1. Wednesday October 30th- St Vincent De Paul Catholic Church from 6:30-8:30PM at 6800 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX 77025 Public is invited; RSVP is limited on a first come first serve basis.
  2. Tuesday November 5thWest University Senior Center from 6:00 PM -8:00PM at the West University Senior Center, 6401 Auden, Houston, TX 77005

These workshops are free and the public is invited.  RSVP as seating is limited. Call 832/800-4674 to RSVP or visit www.tonisays.com to sign up online

Toni King, author of the Medicare Survival Guide, a simple guide that puts Medicare in “people” terms, is on sale at www.tonisays.com. Cannot attend a workshop, and then get Toni’s DVD of a workshop available only at www.tonisays.com.

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