To Our Medicare and Medicare Eligible Patients:
Cancer care is expensive, and picking the wrong Medicare plan, or one that does not cover prescriptions, can cost you thousands of dollars.
If you are enrolled with Medicare part A & B, a Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan, or will soon be eligible for Medicare, Georgia Cancer Specialists would like to help you decide on the best plan for your specific needs. We have researched these plans and feel these are some of the best options to help you cover your medical expenses.
The goal is to lower your co-payment and out-of-pocket expenses as much as possible. We strongly encourage you to consider the following choices during the upcoming Annual Enrollment period. You must call and select these plans; Georgia Cancer Specialists is not allowed to do this for you. Or, we recommend contacting insurance agent Rhonda Sheridan with Sheridan and Associates at (770) 760-9474. Rhonda and her staff will be happy to assist in your decision making process and will help you complete the necessary paperwork.
1. Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans, also known as Part C, are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. Your costs may be lower than in the Original Medicare Plan, and you may get extra benefits such as Vision and Dental. If you choose this option, it is recommended that you choose a plan with *Prescription Drug Coverage.
Recommended MA plans with low out of pocket expenses:
| Plan | Available Counties in GA | Contact Info |
|---|---|---|
| Aetna Golden Medicare HMO (Value, Standard, Premier) | Atlanta and Surrounding Counties | 1-800-455-1560 |
| Aetna Golden Choice PPO (Premier, Standard) | Atlanta and Surrounding Counties | 1-800-455-1560 |
| Advantra Gold & Silver POS (offered by Coventry Healthcare) | Bryan, Chatham, Cherokee, Effingham, Forsyth, Fulton, Liberty, Paulding | 1-800-303-1745 or 1-800-296-1024 |
| EverCare PPO (MP, DP--Special Needs Plans) | Baldwin, Bibb, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Laurens | 1-877-504-1184 |
2. Medigap Policies are supplemental insurance policies sold by private insurance companies that help you pay for some out-of-pocket costs that Medicare Parts A and B do not cover. You pay a monthly premium as well as your part B premium. If you choose this option, it is recommended that you also purchase a Part D *Prescription Drug Plan.
Recommended Medigap Policies:
| Insurance Company | Contact Info |
|---|---|
| AARP-United HealthCare Insurance Company | 1-800-523-5800 |
| Bankers Life and Casualty | 1-800-621-3724 |
| Bankers Fidelity | 1-800-241-1439 |
| Combined Insurance Co. of America | 1-800-544-5531 |
| Continental Life | 1-800-624-4000 |
| Mutual of Omaha | 1-800-775-6000 |
| United American | 1-800-331-2512 |
| USAA Life | 1-800-531-8080 |
3. Enrollment Timeframes :
| Annual Coordinated Election Period (AEP) | General Enrollment Period (GEP) | Open Enrollment Period (OEP) | Limited Open Enrollment Period (L-EOP) |
|---|---|---|---|
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You may:
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You may:
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You may:
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If you currently have part A&B, you may:
Note: Your MediGap policy will no longer work. |
*For Prescription Drug Coverage (part D) assistance, please call Georgia Cares at 1-800-669-8387.
Please be advised of the following changes for 2009 MA Plans:
- Benefits have changed for SmartValue Classic & Plus PFFS, and BlueValue Secure HMO plans (offered by BCBS of GA). Chemotherapy drugs and other injections administered in the office are no longer payable with a co-payment. You will be responsible for 20% of the Medicare allowable amount up to a maximum of $4,500 out of pocket expenses. Annual Enrollment is your opportunity to select another plan with lower out of pocket expenses.
- Instil InChoice Option 1 & 2, SmartValue Enhanced, SmartSaver MSA, and the Care Assured (HealthMarkets) will not be available in 2009. If you are currently with one of these plans, you will have to choose another plan during Annual Enrollment.
Sincerely,
The Staff of Georgia Cancer Specialists
Download the 2009 GCS Annual Medicare Letter as a PDF.
