Medicare Frequently Asked Questions
Aren't all Medicare plans the same?
No, there are different types of coverage available to Medicare beneficiaries, in addition to Original Medicare.
An option to help you save money and get the care you’re entitled to is through a Medicare plan like Rocky Mountain Health Plans (RMHP), a health plan with a Medicare contract since 1977.
RMHP Medicare plans not only provide all services covered by Medicare Part A and Part B, but also offer additional coverage and benefits. For instance Rocky Mountain Health Plans has plan options that cover benefits such as preventive care, Part D prescription drug plan options, and more. (The coverage costs for these extra benefits vary among plans.) This can provide substantial savings as you may not need additional supplemental insurance coverage that comes with its own monthly premiums and copays.
While Medicare is a government program, Medicare supplement policies (Medigap) are offered by private insurance companies. Some supplemental policies will pay most or all of the Medicare coinsurance amounts. Some plans may also cover Medicare's deductibles. Certain plans will also pay for preventive cae and emergency medical care in a foreign country.
Medicare Advantage Plans
Another option is to choose a Medicare Advantage plan. These plans provide care under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). They may offer such services as coordination of care or reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Some plans may offer additional benefits, such as coverage for prescription drugs. However, in many cases you must see only the plan’s contracted doctors, specialists, and hospitals for all your health care needs.
A big advantage of Rocky Mountain Health Plans is that you can choose from an extensive network of doctors, specialists, and hospitals. Even doctors who do not accept new Medicare patients often accept new RMHP Medicare patients. You also have the option to see any doctor outside of our network for Medicare-covered services. These services may not be covered by Rocky Mountain Health Plans outside our network. However, Medicare will continue to pay for its share of charges it approves, and you would pay Original Medicare deductibles and coinsurance for Medicare covered services.
Call Rocky Mountain Health Plans now for help in deciding about which plan is right for you. No matter which region of the state you live in, you have a choice of three plans. You can reach a friendly Medicare Specialist by dialing: Toll Free 888-251-1330
If you are hearing impaired and use TTY equipment, call 800-704-6370.
Is Rocky Mountain Health Plans a new insurance company offering coverage to Medicare beneficiaries?
No. Rocky Mountain Health Plans has had a Medicare contract since 1977 and provides coverage to Colorado Medicare beneficiaries in every county except Baca (Medicare Part D drug and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) coverage is available in Baca county).
How do I decide which plan is right for me?
Consider your monthly premium budget, the prescription drugs you take, and how often you see your primary care physician and specialists. Our RMHP Medicare specialists are available to help you to understand the differences between the plans and which plan makes sense for you. We can also refer you to outside insurance counseling folks (through the Colorado Division of Insurance and the Medicare Ombudsman Office) who can help you free of charge.
Do you have any plans available if I have Medicare Part B only?
Yes. Click here to see the 2010 Summary of Benefits for RMHP's B Basic Plan and B Standard Plan.
Click here to see the 2010 Evidence of Coverage for the B Basic Plan.
Click here to see the 2010 Evidence of Coverage for the B Standard Plan.
2009 Benefits:
For information on the 2009 Summary of Benefits for RMHP's B Basic Plan and B Standard Plan,
click here.
For information on the 2009 Evidence of Coverage, click the link below:
What if I am eligible for both Medicare Part A and Part B, and I want a plan that covers basic Medicare benefits?
2009 Benefits:
How do I know if my doctors are covered on your plan?
You can check online by accessing our Provider Directory through the Provider Directory page. Once you have accessed the Provider Directory you are able to type in the name of your doctors to see if they are covered. Or you can reach a friendly Medicare Specialist by dialing: Toll Free 888-251-1330
If you are hearing impaired and use TTY equipment, call 800-704-6370.
How can I contact a live person to answer my questions?
You can reach a friendly Medicare Specialist by dialing: Toll Free 888-251-1330
If you are hearing impaired and use TTY equipment, call 800-704-6370.
You can also fill out our online information request form and a Medicare Specialist will contact you.
What is Medicare Part D?
Part D is a prescription drug benefit plan that is available to all Medicare beneficiaries. Under Part D, you have Medicare drug coverage options and a wide range of new plan and benefit options. Your premiums, copays, and other out-of-pocket expenses will vary according to the plan you choose. Click to learn more About Part D coverage.
Does Rocky Mountain Health Plans provide Part D benefits?
RMHP provides the Part D benefit in its Green, Thrifty, Standard, Gold and Plus plans with medical coverage. We also have Stand Alone Part D plans.
Please click here to learn more about our Medicare plans that include Part D prescription drug coverage.
Please click here to learn more about our Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage standalone plan.
If I have Medicare, do I have to sign up for Part D?
Part D plans are open to all people eligible for Medicare and enrollment is voluntary. But you should be aware that the longer you wait to participate in Part D, the more expensive the premium will be. The monthly premium will increase by about 1 percent each month that you delay your enrollment in a Part D plan.
How can I make sure I am choosing the right Part D plan?
You can make a list of the drugs you take regularly.
- List the names of the drugs and their dosage (how many milligrams
- List how much it costs to refill each prescription
- List how many times a year you refill each prescription
- Keep these lists so you can compare plans in November when you choose a plan
A friendly Medicare Specialist is available to help you: 888-251-1330
If you are hearing impaired and use TTY equipment, call 800-704-6370.
Additional Resources for Medicare Beneficiaries
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Colorado Gerontological Society
Leapfrog Group Hospital Quality and Safety Survey Results