A "How to Use" Guide for the Checklists

THE "HOW TO USE GUIDE" - will help you with your decision and using the Checklists.
But remember: each individual's needs are different.

» This page focuses on Medicare-eligible Management retirees. The [TAB] Plan Checklists has more information and a how to compare guide that covers both Medicare and non-Medicare retirees. For Medicare eligible retirees, follow the steps below to compare a list of alternatives to the Alcatel-Lucent SecureHorizons Medicare plan or the Medicare HMO.

CAN YOU CONTINUE TO USE YOUR OWN DOCTORS OR HOSPITALS ?
For the very important question of whether your doctors and hospitals have been accepting the SecureHorizons PFFS plan sponsored by Alcatel-Lucent, call

1-888-980-8117

Step 1: Start with the Basics: Use a one-page outline to keep track of the major issues and what you learn. Try using the attached Weighing Your Options. And the "Medicare and You 2009" guide is available. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit your Social Security office to get a paper copy which makes it easier to take notes and review your options. It contains a glossary of the terms you'll run into in your search. You can also download a copy here.

The LRO Benefits Team has created a Navigating Medicare guide that covers many of the important points in an easy-to-read format. Download it here.

Step 2: Visit the Medicare.gov Web site: Use the links below to review what commercial plans are available now. Data for 2009 is now available at these links.

Medicare Medigap plans (also called Medicare Supplement Insurance plans).
- Be sure to read the "guaranteed issue rights" below.
- Medicare says: Usually the only difference between Medigap policies sold
  by different insurance companies is the cost.
- Read How to Be a Smart Buyer.
- Use a tracking sheet from the NJ Insurance Department as you compare plans.

Medicare Advantage plans (also called Medicare Part C - including commercial Private-Fee-for-Service [PFFS] plans similar to the SecureHorizons MedicareDirect plan being offered by Alcatel-Lucent.)
Medicare Part D drug plans (also called Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs)). Data for 2009 is available.

Step 3: Making comparisons: Comparing Medicare plans takes time and information. Three helpful references:

FAQs about Medicare Choices A one page comparison of some of your options for Part A, Part B, Medigap and Medicare Advantage PFFS (from the Insurance Dept of Oregon).
Pros and Cons of Medicare Choices A summary of the advantages and disadvantages of Medicare Advantage and Medigap supplemental insurance options (from the USAA Educational Foundation).
National Ratings of Health Plans A search site for health plan ratings, compiled by the NCQA and distributed by U.S. News. Not all health plans will be listed. The Medicare sites listed in Step 2 also provides ratings for some health plans.

Step 4: Use Checklists to compare: You need to narrow down the plans in Step 2 to a few for more detailed consideration. Use the comparison options from Step 3 and be sure to use the other source documents, below, to learn what you need to know. You'll may need as much as 4 hours - more, if you are waiting for return calls from insurance companies. Pick 2 or 3 plans that are of the most interest to you. Then download the appropriate Checklists from the [TAB] Plan Checklists and enter the information in the Checklists. Also, download the "How to Compare" document to guide you in your comparisons.

Step 5: Review by your eligibility date: Check back with the plans you added on or before November 15th on their Web site or by phone. Data for 2009 data health plans and for Medicare prescription drug plans are already available.

Step 6: Finally, sign up for the plan that's best for you. Whatever your decision, be sure you call the Alcatel-Lucent Benefits Center at 1-888-232-4111 and confirm or cancel the coverage they have on record for you.

USEFUL 2009 MEDICARE SOURCE DOCUMENTS
(download here - or call 1-800-MEDICARE for a paper copy)

» Medicare and You 2009 Summary: "With more Medicare choices than ever, it’s important that you look at your coverage every year. Plan costs and benefits change, and so can your health." This is the Medicare document that explains Medicare Parts A, B, C and D. It also describes Medigap plans but read the more complete description in "Choosing a Medigap Policy", below.

» Private Fee for Service Plans Summary: "A Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plan isn’t the same as the Original Medicare Plan which is offered by the Federal government. It also isn’t the same as a Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policy." Be sure to note on page 1: "If you join a Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plan, not all providers [doctors, specialists and hospitals] will accept the plan’s payment terms or agree to treat you. Before you get any services, ask your doctor or hospital if they are willing to contact the plan for payment information and accept the plan’s payment terms."

» 2009 Choosing a Medigap Policy Summary: "A Medigap policy [also know as a Medicare supplement] is a type of private insurance that helps you pay for some of the costs that the Original Medicare Plan doesn’t cover." Important consideration:

SPECIAL NOTE
The information provided here is from authoritative sources. But each person's health care needs are different. So be sure to use these references as a guide to what is available - they may not be complete enough to cover every individual's situation. You can access the Medicare help line at 1-800-MEDICARE or your State Health Insurance Assistance help line (telephone numbers under SHIPs, below).

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOUR DECISION

OTHER SOURCE MATERIAL FOR YOU TO VIEW AND READ

» "Medicare 101" This is a Medicare training course on the details of all the Medicare offerings. It covers in great detail the options and the terminology you need to understand your choices. A bit long, but considering the importance of your decision, reading it is worth the time.

» Compare Medicare Options This is a very helpful video prepared by Medicare to help you navigate the many options available to you, including Medigap and Medicare Advantage programs.. It covers the application of the Medicare.gov site to help you navigate the information for making choices. Note on Compatibility: not all PCs or Macs will be configured to play the video. Also, you may need to adjust the VIEW size in your player window for best viewing. And your PC audio MUST BE ON.

» State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIIPs) For information and free counseling related to Medicare, Medigap, MA plans, and long-term care, call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program. These are federally funded programs established to help beneficiaries with their health insurance choices. A complete list for every state is at the bottom of the page.

» Compare Medigap and Medicare Advantage (PFFS) This short comparison from a California Health Agency provides one example of how to compare these options. Each individual's situation is different, so you need to use the information above for your own personal case.