Nebraska Department of Insurance
THE NEBRASKA HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION, COUNSELING, AND ASSISTANCE (NICA) PROGRAM
MARCH 2000 NICA NEWS
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Volunteer Ombudsman Advocates
Volunteer ombudsman advocates spend at least two hours a week in their assigned nursing home facility, visiting residents, observing activities, and serving as advocates for the residents. Advocates can often resolve concerns before they become problems. Volunteers around the state have completed the required 32 hours of training and a three- month probationary period in nursing home facilities to become ombudsman advocates. To find out more about becoming a volunteer ombudsman advocate in your area call 1-800-942-7830.Calendar lists Medicare-related activities
A new Medicare Outreach Calendar is now available on the Internet. The calendar informs you of upcoming activities related to Medicare issues going on in Nebraska or any other state you select, including presentations and health fairs.To access this calendar, click on Medicare Beneficiary Outreach Calendar on the Medicare web page: www.medicare.gov. You can search by month, by topic, or type of event to access a calendar of various activities. The calendar is continually updated and includes activities sponsored by NICA, the PRO, Medicare Intermediary, and Medicare Carrier.
The Importance of Training and Update Sessions
Training and Updates are important to the development of NICA Volunteers. They help NICA Volunteers do a better job. It's frustrat-ing if a senior asks you to look over their long term care policy and you don't feel properly trained to counsel in long term care. NICA offers free training and updates so that you have the self-confidence to respond to all questions. While all NICA volunteers do an excellent job, training and updates help improve your skills and keep you current on ever-changing policies. Be a participant. Take part in all updates.2000 Price Guide for Medicare Supplement Insurance in Nebraska
The 2000 Med Supp price guides are being compiled. This year's guide will include the premium rates of 37 companies who are licensed to sell Medicare Supplement plans in Nebraska.In addition, six companies are offering a high deductible option on Medigap plans F and/or J. Under these options, a beneficiary must pay the out-of-pocket costs per year before the plan will pay anything. The out-of-pockets costs on these two plans has been increased from $1500 in 1999 to $1530 for 2000.
This increase is consistent with the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase the rate to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index.
THE GOVERNOR'S CONFERENCE ON AGING
The 2000 Nebraska Governor's Conference on Aging will be May 22-24 at the North Platte Quality Inn and Suites.The conference theme is "Sights and Sounds of the New Century." Workshops, round table discussions, speakers, and entertainment will focus on new technologies and all forms of communication.
The conference is sponsored by the Nebraska Association of Area Agencies on Aging and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Division of Aging Services.
NICA will be exhibiting at the Governor's Conference. This is a prime opportunity to reach some 300-400 active older Nebraskans who are leaders in their communities and represent the 294,000 Nebraskans age 60 and better who account for a consumer market worth billions of dollars.
For more information, contact Margy Ryan & Company, 1260 So. 22nd St., Lincoln, NE 68502 or call 402-477-7357 or E-mail: MargyRyan@aol.com.