BRIARCRIER
July 8, 2011, Friday at 12:00, Briarcliff Rec Dept, Briarcliff Manor NY Rotary Club
TODAY IN HISTORY
1889 The Wall Street Journal was first published.
Meeting Leader – Dean Dykeman
PLEDGE - Dean Dykeman PATRIOTIC SONG – Sy Yuter PRAYER – Reverend Dean Dykeman
HAPPY THOUGHTS - Rachel – Her son’s 23rd birthday, Ken – son had a good medical checkup and grew 4 ½ inches in one year, Eric Messer – Thursday night lights in town was a great success, Eric Lebenson – appreciates all the good wishes during his recovery, Bob Maher had a sad announcement of a student recently killed in a drive by shooting after receiving his regents diploma, Ann Cargill back from a wonderful trip to Scotland.
ANNOUNCEMENTS – Venues being discussed for the future site of the Rotary Club are Atria, Tuscan Grille and Briar's Restaurant.
SPEAKER AND SUBJECT – Lynda Nickelsen – Medicare
SUMMARY OF TALK
Several types of Medicare plans are available, company plans, like IBM, etc, Advantage plans which can pay for extra services like hearing aids, and original Medicare. There are physicians who accept assignment with Medicare which means they agree to accept the 80% Medicare allows and the patient pays the 20%, unless they have a secondary policy. There are physicians that do not participate with Medicare, however you can still see them but must pay the physician in full at the time of service and get reimbursed from Medicare. You can be charged 15% above Medicare’s rates. There are “freebies” which include wellness visits once a year, mammograms, colonoscopies, etc but ask the office up front so you are not charged. Medicare pays for a second opinion. Any procedure can be appealed if there is a denial. Patients and physicians can request an appeal. Hospital status must be obtained to see if you are an inpatient or an outpatient, especially when admitted to the emergency room. The possible changes to Medicare under the Obama insurance plan is yet to be finally determined. Physical therapy is covered up to $1800 per year but additional visits, if needed, must be requested by the ordering physician.
Call the Medicare hot line with any questions so you are not denied rightful coverage. 800-333-4114. Laws are changing every year so you must keep yourself informed so you are not denied rightful coverage.
Elinor Yuter, Reporter
Rachel Leihbacher, Expediter
NEXT WEEK – Lena Cavanna from Blythedale Children’s Hospita
