SENIOR CONNECTIONS

Farmingdale Public library

Newsletter Topic of the Month

November-December 2011

MEDICARE: 6 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW NOW

Consumer Reports has developed a brief guide to let you know how the new health-care law has affected MEDICARE and your benefits in 2011. The guide is helpful whether you are currently on MEDICARE or about to become eligible.

Here are the six things/changes you need to know more about:

1. Lower drug costs when you’re in the doughnut hole.

2. Free preventive care exams.

3. New cap for some out-of-pocket costs.

4. MEDICARE HMO benefits may shrink.

5. Seniors with large incomes may pay more for premiums.

6. New dates for changing plans.

Copies of the guide are available for download from ConsumerReportsHealth.org or by calling 512-477-4431.