The Medicare open enrollment period always brings a number of questions to the Kansas Insurance Department, according to Ken Selzer, CPA, Kansas Commissioner of Insurance.
However, only Medicare Supplemental/Medigap-type plans fall under the Kansas Insurance Department’s jurisdiction, and those can be purchased any time during the year, Commissioner Selzer said.
“We are able to direct many questions about Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Parts A &B to the appropriate agencies,” said Commissioner Selzer, “but consumers need to know that those plans are not regulated by KID and those questions need to be answered by experts in other places. Calling them first will save Kansans time and possible frustration.”
Medicare open enrollment for Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans begins tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 15, and ends December 7, 2016. Below are the contacts for particular Medicare-type plans:
Medicare Supplement/Medigap plans—Kansas Insurance Department’s Consumer Assistance Hotline-1-800-432-2484, or the online chat service on the department’s website, www.ksinsurance.org.
Medicare Part D/Medicare Prescription Drug coverage-- Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) state help line, 1-800-860-5260; the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227); or go to www.medicare.gov.
Medicare Advantage coverage ( Part C)-- Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) state help line, 1-800-860-5260; the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227); or go online to www.medicare.gov.
Medicare Parts A & B-- Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) state help line, 1-800-860-5260; the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227); or go online to www.medicare.gov (signup is actually through your local Social Security office).
As part of the Kansas Insurance Department’s mission to assist consumers, Commissioner Selzer offers these tips for protecting Medicare-eligible seniors from scam artists intent on taking advantage of open enrollment:
- Beware of door-to-door salespeople. Agents cannot solicit business for either Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage Plans at your home without an appointment (this does not apply to Medicare Supplement plans). Do not let uninvited agents into your home. Also, Medicare has no official sales representatives.
- Check with us at the Kansas Insurance Department (KID) to make sure the salesperson is a licensed agent. Call 800-432-2484 to speak with a Consumer Assistance representative.
- Realize no marketing is allowed in educational or care settings. Federal regulations prohibit the marketing of Medicare products in places where health care is delivered, or at an educational event.
- Understand that no free lunches are allowed, either. Federal regulations prohibit offers of free meals for listening to a sales presentation for a Medicare product or for signing up for a particular plan.
- Do not give out personal information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers or credit card numbers to anyone not verified as a licensed agent. Also, you must receive a bill as the beneficiary; no Internet or phone payments can be made.
- Verify that the Medicare plan chosen is an approved Medicare plan. All of the approved plans are available at www.medicare.gov under the “Finding Plans” section, or by calling 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227).
“Consumers need to arm themselves with all the information they can,” Commissioner Selzer said. “Educating yourselves is very important in getting questions answered and fighting potential fraud.
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Walnut Township recall coming; Friday mtg erupts in arrest
Sabetha woman arrested in business burglary
Effingham teen facing child sex crimes charges
Two search warrants, two Horton homes, two arrests
Severe storms move through NE KS
Document forgery alleged in ATCO's Walnut Township
Two Brown Co officers honored for their bravery
Whiting woman pleads to theft of fire dept. funds
Severe storms reported Tuesday in NE KS
Flags across KS to fly half-staff Sunday
Two men arrested in Jackson Co for distribute of meth
Atchison man nabbed for neighbor's 4 wheeler theft
Winning lottery ticket sold in Falls City about to expire
Meriden man bound over on rape charge
Tornado damage surveyed in NE KS
Four arrested for illegal activity on Kickapoo Reservation
Richardson County Deputies busy during special enforcement
LATEST STORIES
Four arrested for illegal activity on Kickapoo Reservation
Two search warrants, two Horton homes, two arrests
Brown Co Sheriff's Office releases April stats
Flags across KS to fly half-staff Sunday
Commission takes action related to bridge project
Whiting woman pleads to theft of fire dept. funds
Two men arrested in Jackson Co for distribute of meth