The Affordable Healthcare Act/Changes in Medicare...What We Know So Far

In continuing our research on The Affordable Healthcare Act and the Changes in Medicare at Senior Marketing Specialists, we continue to encounter reams of articles, opinions and information from our industry, the government and other resources. A defined path and clarity on the markets and changes coming about is still to be determined. This has created a lot of confusion and anxiety for both agents and consumers alike. Yet in the midst of the chaos we are uncovering tremendous opportunity in the market.

This opportunity lies in the simple fact that regardless of the legislative outcomes, consumers will need additional cash above and beyond their primary health coverage!!! Our carriers are recording record sales of cash indemnity products like our Kemper Home Health Care and our Hospital Indemnity Plans. The needs for these are greater today in the consumer market than ever before.

Call our office (1.800.689.2800) and ask for a marketer to discuss this exciting opportunity.

Medicare Changes How Clients Receive Diabetic Supplies

We receive a lot of encouragement from carriers for agents to develop close relationships with pharmacies. Right now local pharmacies are experiencing difficulty from Medicare’s change in delivery of Diabetic testing supplies. It would be a good time to contact your local pharmacy and see if they are going to be able to provide supplies and develop a referral relationship where the agent refers his clients to that pharmacy for their supplies and the pharmacy refers their clients to the agent for insurance questions and needs.

Per CMS:

• July 1, 2013 Medicare is starting a national mail-order program for diabetic testing supplies.
• Starting in July 2013, Medicare is scheduled to expand the competitive bidding program to more areas of the country. This program changes the way Medicare pays for certain durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS). It also changes which suppliers Medicare will pay to supply these items to you.
• Under this program, suppliers submit bids to provide certain medical equipment and supplies at a lower price than what Medicare now pays for these items. Medicare uses these bids to set the amount it will pay for those equipment and supplies under the new program. Qualified, accredited suppliers with winning bids are chosen as Medicare contract suppliers.
• This adjustment will affect durable medical equipment and diabetic supplies.

Making Medicare Documents Work for You! Medicare and Diabetes:

Many questions arise as to what is covered by Part B and what is covered by Part D. The simple flier that is linked to below shows what is covered.  This also brings up an important topic about the products available to those with diabetes, like special needs Medicare Advantage plans.

http://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/11410.pdf

Medicare Updates coming July 2013

July 1, 2013 Medicare is starting a national mail-order program for diabetic testing supplies.

Starting in July 2013, Medicare is scheduled to expand the competitive bidding program to more areas of the country. This program changes the way Medicare pays for certain durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS). It also changes which suppliers Medicare will pay to supply these items to you. Under this program, suppliers submit bids to provide certain medical equipment and supplies at a lower price than what Medicare now pays for these items. Medicare uses these bids to set the amount it will pay for those equipment and supplies under the new program. Qualified, accredited suppliers with winning bids are chosen as Medicare contract suppliers.

This adjustment will affect durable medical equipment and diabetic supplies.

Check out the links below for more information:

http://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Outreach/Partnerships/Downloads/DMEPOSBeneIntroBrochureApril201311363.pdf

http://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Outreach/Partnerships/Downloads/DMEPOSBeneFactSheetNatMailOrderProgApril201311634.pdf

http://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Outreach/Partnerships/Downloads/DMEPOSBeneLetterNtlMailOrderProgMay2013.pdf

http://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Outreach/Partnerships/Downloads/DMEPOSBeneLetterRound2.pdf