THE NEBRASKA HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION, COUNSELING,
AND ASSISTANCE (NICA) PROGRAM
JULY 2003 NICA NEWS
THIS & THAT
MSSP Update
As of June 23, 2003, total enrollment in the Medicare Stop Smoking Program was 2,686 nationwide, and 164 in Nebraska. The total goal for Nebraska enrollees is 400 - enrollment ends September 30, 2003, so let's get the word out! CMS sent letters in late June to providers and dentists in the participating states, supporting the MSSP campaign.
It is important that NICA volunteers continue to promote the program across the entire state - if this study is a success, it could lead to a smoking cessation benefit for all Medicare beneficiaries in the country. The toll-free number for beneficiaries to call for more information on eligibility is 1-866-652-3446. Encourage them to call today! Brochures and posters are available from the NICA Program Office.
A common misconception about smoking is that seniors who smoke
are not interested in trying to quit -
but studies show that of all persons
over the age of 65 who smoke,
over 57% are interested in quitting.
New & Updated brochures available
The
Private Fee-for-Service Options in Nebraska flyer has been updated to reflect the addition of the new UniCare SecurityChoice PFFS plan. For copies of this flyer, or for any other materials - including 2003 Medicare Supplement Rate Guides, Ratings Agencies brochures, the 2003 edition of the Long-Term Care Shopper's Guide, or almost 100 other brochures, please contact the NICA program office. Did you know that several brochures are even available on audiocassette for those beneficiaries that have impaired vision?
Pill pouches, magnets, and pencils, OH MY!
The NICA office also has a variety of promotional items that volunteers can use at meetings, booths, or other events. Items include new pill pouches, letter openers, magnets, pencils, and a variety of other fun giveaways.
Clarification -- March 2003 Newsletter
The Question & Answer section, page 9 of the March 2003 NICA News, discusses creditable coverage that can eliminate the 6-month allowable waiting period for pre-existing conditions when applying for a Medicare supplement policy. Please note that this creditable coverage only serves to reduce the waiting period when applying during the Open Enrollment for a Medsupp policy -- the first 6 months after Part B coverage begins after age 65. After the Open Enrollment period has expired, creditable coverage no longer applies, and companies can require a waiting period for pre-existing conditions of up to 6 months. (See NICA Manual, Page F25 for further details.)
Long-term Care in Nebraska
The Nebraska Health Care Association's website indicates the cost of long-term care in Nebraska averages $40,880 per year in urban areas and $30,438 in rural areas of the state.
Retiree Plans Diminishing
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 13 percent of 435 large firms surveyed have terminated retiree benefits during the past two years for future retirees. Note that if a person using a retiree plan to supplement Medicare loses coverage because the plan terminates, the beneficiary is entitled to a guarantee issue for a Medicare supplement plan A, B, C, or F. (See NICA Manual, page F31)
