Articles

Increasing Participation in Benefits Programs Using a Person-Centered Approach

Some of the most vulnerable Americans, low-income elders, do not participate in benefit programs for which they are eligible. Using a "person-centered," one-on-one approach is one effective way to find and enroll individuals in benefits programs, states a new paper published by the Commonwealth Fund. Other strategies include simplifying and aligning eligibility rules and enrollment procedures, investing in information technology, and providing support for ongoing outreach and enrollment activities. This paper is based in part on NCOA’s experience of successfully finding and enrolling older adults in benefits programs through the use of technology and partnerships with community-based organizations.

Early 2010 Help Guide - Resolving Part D Issues in 2009

Strategies for helping your clients by responding to their questions and enabling them resolve any issues they may encounter as they begin to use their 2009 Part D plan.

 

Annual Enrollment Period Counseling Tools

We’ve drafted an Annual Enrollment Period counseling tool for your consideration. Here is a check list and worksheet and other tools you can use to guide your AEP counseling initiatives.

2008-2009 Medicare Part D Information for Health Care Professionals: Quick Consult Guide and Patient Tri-fold

The Quick Consult Guide is a 16 page quick Educational Guide and easy-to-use reference tool with key information to help you counsel your patients on Medicare Part D. It fits most smock pockets. Some of the topics that are discussed in the guide include eligibility, benefit designs, coverage gap, finding extra financial help and choosing the right plan. The Patient Tri-fold brochure is designed as a companion piece to the Quick Consult Guide; this brochure provides information and resources about Part D for patients.

HIPAA Privacy Rules and Part D Counseling: HIPAA Privacy

These resources explain how HIPAA privacy rules apply to benefits counselors working on Part D issues.

Medicare Hospital Discharge Notice Procedures and Benefits Counseling

See how you can help hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries when the hospital decides to stop Medicare coverage for their stay.

My Medicare Matters Navigator Project

Learn how senior centers and similar places can help others learn about Medicare by teaching them how to surf certain Web sites.

Part D Benefits Counseling for Cognitively Impaired Medicare Beneficiaries

Learn who can help Medicare beneficiaries who may lack the cognitive capacity to make informed decisions about Part D.  Find out how benefit counselors can help.

Part D Counseling: Protecting Counselors from Liability

Learn how benefits counselors can effectively counsel Medicare beneficiaries, while minimizing the risks of mistakes.

Research Findings on Beneficiary Response to the 2008 and 2009 Annual Enrollment Period

In January 2008, CMS reported on a survey of Medicare beneficiary knowledge and behavior during the 2008 Part D Annual Enrollment Period.