Question
My mother is in an HMO in California. She is 75. Her HMO is a continuing battle for everything. My sister and I would like her to switch to regular Medicare plus a supplemental. The incremental cost is fine, but she is worried that she can't change because of her pre-existing conditions. What is the policy? When are the windows that she can change?
Answer
Hi Jonathon
Now is the time to change, until New Years eve. Should have no problem with pre-existing conditions. Call 1-800-434-0222 and you will reach the nearest SHIP office to you. These are Medicare trained specialist, and will meet with you and your mother, will do a benefits checkup. and go on the Medicare.com site and help you find the best program for you and make the changes if you so desire.
Have them check out her eligibility for LIS and also the Medicare Savings program. Sooner done, the better.
John
