|
The purpose of this letter is to provide information to you and you colleagues about changes, both national and within MA, that affect the senior population in your area. As you know, 1998 has seen many changes in some of the major programs that provide for our elderly population. The Medicare reforms, the recent court decision about HMOs and prescription coverage, and the closing of Home Health South, all have created an atmosphere within which many doctors have concerns and questions about their coverage and possible changes in 1999.
In Washington, I have worked with my Mass. colleagues on delaying the implementation per-beneficiary limit by introducing Senate Bill S. 1643 with Senator Kennedy and Congressmen Jim McGovern in the House. As we begin the 106th Congress, I will continue working to insure that all our seniors are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Within Mass., I will continue to meet groups of seniors, state government officials, representatives from the HMOs, and other service providers as we work on this issue. Recognizing this responsibility, I have asked my staff to prepare some information that I hope you will find helpful. SHINE pamphlet has hotline number that are specifically designed to provide answers to senior’s questions about their benefits in Medicare and some of the options at their disposal. I have also included information for writing to my office to solicit our assistance in addressing specific cases. As the 106th Congress begins in January, I will do my best to keep you informed of my efforts on behalf of the seniors in your area. Thank you for reviewing the information enclosed. I hope you find it helpful.
To write to Senator John Kerry’s office, please follow these directions closely 1) the letter needs to be addressed to Senator John Kerry; 90 Madison Place, Suite 205, Worcester, MA 01608 2) the first sentence must read, "In accordance with the Privacy Act, I formally authorize Senator Kerry’s office to act on my behalf." Follow this sentence with a full description of your case, and 3) please include copies, not originals, of relevant correspondence from doctors, health care providers, government agencies and attorneys. We will write to you to acknowledge the receipt of you materials and to describe our course of action on your behalf.
What is the SHINE Program? A service that helps elders and Medicare beneficiaries to understand their Medicare benefits and other health insurance options. The SHINE Program ensures that Medicare beneficiaries have access to accurate up to date information about their health care options. How can a SHINE counselor help me? SHINE counselors can help elders and Medicare beneficiaries understand their rights under Medicare and other health insurance coverage. Counselors can review present coverage, provide written comparisons of plans, protect elders from paying for bills they should not pay, and prevent paying for unnecessary coverage. Counselors also help with claim forms and applications. They will make referrals when appropriate. Where can I find a SHINE counselor? SHINE counselors are available at most Councils on Aging, Senior Centers and Home Care Corporation. Counselors work in many local hospitals, housing centers and libraries. Counselors are available for homebound elders, too.
|
