Benefits Assistance
Medicare Savings Programs
We hope you are staying healthy through these unprecedented times. Although offices may be closed, SHINE can still be reached by telephone M-F, 508-375-6762. If you have any questions about your health or prescription coverage, please call us. As you know, things are changing every day. It can be difficult to keep up with all the information. Here are some key coverage updates with regards to Medicare and COVID-19. Medicare covers the lab tests for COVID-19. No out-ofpocket costs. Medicare covers all medically necessary hospitalizations. This includes if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 and might otherwise have been discharged from the hospital after an inpatient stay, but instead you need to stay in the hospital under quarantine.
Medicare Covers COVID-19 Related Expenses
Medicare covers the lab tests for COVID-19. No outof-pocket costs. This includes if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 and might otherwise have been discharged from the hospital after an inpatient stay, but instead you need to stay in the hospital under quarantine. At this time, there’s no vaccine for COVID-19. If one becomes available, it will be covered by all Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D). If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you have access to these same benefits. Medicare allows these plans to waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 lab tests. Many plans offer additional telehealth benefits. Check with your plan about your coverage and costs. Scammers may use the coronavirus national emergency to take advantage of people. Guard your Medicare card like a credit card, check Medicare claims summary forms for errors, and if someone calls asking for your Medicare Number, hang up! Medicare supplement plans have continuous open enrollment. If you feel you need additional coverage to your Medicare, to cover Medicare out of pocket costs, plans are available. You can call SHINE for more information at (508) 375-6762.
For Mass Health Members
You will not lose your MassHealth coverage during the COVID-19 national emergency. If you have received a notice in the mail that your coverage is ending on or after March 18, your coverage is protected and will not end during the national emergency. You do not need to send in any additional paperwork to keep your coverage.
Medicare Savings Program
Because of a new state law, Massachusetts is expanding several Medicare Savings Programs (also known as “MassHealth Buy-In” programs). These programs help older residents and people living with disabilities save money on their Medicare coverage. If you are a Massachusetts resident with limited income and assets, who is eligible for Medicare, you may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program that will pay your monthly Medicare Part B premium, which is now deducted from your Social Security benefit. Starting January 1, 2020, the income and asset limits for the Medicare Savings Programs are increasing. If you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, you will also automatically qualify for Extra Help, a program that will help pay for your prescription drugs under Medicare. You are: Income is below* Assets are below* Single $1,738/month $15,460 Married $2,346/month $23,200 For more information, contact your local SHINE counselor at your COA or the regional SHINE office (508-375-6762). Contact MassHealth directly to request a MassHealth Buy-In application (1-800-841-2900) or download from: here