Medicare for my father who is in a home – OE
Hi Terry – I listen to you on WGN and wanted to reach out. My father (age 77) currently is in advance stages of Alzheimer’s (he was early onset) and in a nursing home (Ohio if that matters). I have guardianship. According to his SS benefit verification letter I just pulled, he pays $370/month for ‘medical insurance premiums’. I currently also have him enrolled in an advantage plan (Aetna Medicare Value) which costs about $33/month. It looks like it is covering most of his medications and some other services. But on the medicare.gov website it says his premium in $0? I’m just looking for guidance as to how to approach OE. Is there anyone that can help me? I’m not sure exactly what Medicare is paying for or what to do in this OE.
Terry Says
The critical thing is to discuss this issue with the management of his nursing home. It sounds to me like he has traditional Medicare Parts A & B, given that direct deduction from his SS deposit. But maybe it is an Advantage plan that is direct billed.
If he has traditional Medicare you’d certainly need a supplement — and it doesn’t appear you have one. Is the Aetna Plan a Part D Drug plan? Most nursing homes run their own pharmacies (and will charge separately).
If he does have an all-in-one Advantage plan, make sure they will call HIS physician (who is in HIS Advantage network) if he needs medical care. Or you could face a big bill for using their physician, who is out of network.
It’s important to sort this out NOW with the nursing home.
