You’re not alone. Medicare is confusing and we’re here to help you understand how the program works and what options you have.
Yes, if your primary care provider is in our network.
Check our provider and pharmacy directory to see if your current doctor is part of the Providence team. You can also call 503-574-7756 or 888-804-5148 (TTY: 711).
It depends. If you are covered on a retirement group plan, you probably need to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. However, if you or your spouse is actively employed or are covered under group coverage, consider the size of the employer in determining whether or not to waive your Medicare Part B.
Small company (fewer than 20 employees): Suggest enrolling in Medicare part B. If your plan assumes that you have enrolled; and if you don’t enroll in Part B, you will pay for the services Part B would have covered.
For example, if you see a physician and are charged $100, and your employer group’s plan covers $20, you will owe $80 if you haven’t signed up for Part B.
Large company: Ask your employer. Some companies do cover Part B and some do not. Some employer plans may also be considered creditable coverage. “Creditable” means that the plan pays as much as or more than Part B would pay. If you don’t have creditable coverage and you sign up for Part B after your initial election period, you will have to pay a penalty.
If you have an income over a certain amount, you may be required to pay a higher premium for you Medicare Part B medical insurance and Part D prescription drug plans.
The extra premium amount is called the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). You must pay both the extra amount as well as your plan’s premium each month in order to keep Medicare prescription drug coverage.
Social Security will send you a letter if you have to pay extra for your Medicare medical insurance coverage or prescription drug coverage. Social Security’s letter explains how they determine the amount you must pay and the actual amount. If you disagree with the amount, contact the Social Security Administration at www.ssa.gov or 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0078), or visit your local Social Security Office.
It depends. If the employer prescription drug plan is considered creditable coverage, you don’t need to enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan. If the employer prescription drug plan is not considered creditable coverage, you will be subject to the monthly penalty if you do not enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan.
You and/or your Medicare-eligible spouse should receive a letter from the employer about whether the employer’s prescription drug plan meets the Medicare definition of creditable coverage.
You get mail!
We will send you a packet of materials that explain how to use your coverage. Please read these materials when you get them.
Call us if you need help or have any questions, we’re happy to accommodate you.
Note: This information is only an overview of benefits from Providence Medicare Advantage Plans. A complete explanation of benefits, limitations, and exclusions can be found in the Member Handbook/Evidence of Coverage and Summary of Benefits.
If you have other questions, please contact the Providence Medicare Advantage Plans Sales Team at 503-574-7756 or 888-804-5148 (TTY: 711). Service is available between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Pacific time), seven days a week (Oct. 1 – Dec. 7) or Monday through Friday (Dec. 8 – Sept. 30).
If you need enrollment help or want more information about Providence Medicare Advantage Plans, please call us at 503-574-7756 or 888-804-5148 (TTY: 711).
Also, you may go to a virtual or in-person Community Meetings, or Make an Appointment to see a representative in person. Have a conversation and keep asking questions until you have all the answers you need.
This information can be found in the member handbook.
There are several ways to enroll. If you need enrollment help or want more information about Providence Medicare Advantage Plans, please call us at 503-574-7756 or 888-804-5148 (TTY: 711).
You may be able to get Extra Help to pay for your prescription drug premiums and costs. To learn more about Extra Help, also known as Low-income Subsidy (LIS), visit providencehealthplan.com/medicare/extra-help.
You will receive a notice in the mail acknowledging receipt of the completed plan change or a request for additional information if the form is not complete.
Members may enroll in a plan during the 2024 Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 through December 7.
Beneficiaries have the option of changing plans and adding or dropping Part D Coverage. Contact Customer Service for details.
The 2024 Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period is from January 1 to March 31. During this time, members may enroll in another Medicare Advantage plan, or disenroll from their Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare. Individuals may make only one election during the Open Enrollment period.
Providence Medical Advantage Plans’ contract with CMS is renewed annually and the availability of coverage beyond the end of the current contract year is not guaranteed.
You will receive a member ID card in the mail (if you haven’t already) after you enroll. Please carry it with you as you’ll need it when you receive services.
If you travel often, Providence HMO-POS plans travel with you—giving you more options and fewer restrictions, so this type of plan might be a consideration for you. Visit any provider that accepts Medicare—no network limits or referrals needed. If your favorite doctors, specialists, and hospitals are out of our network you’re not out of luck. You’ll pay a little more to see them, but you’ll still enjoy the same great coverage.
If you aren’t sure of the status of a disaster, please visit https://www.fema.gov/disasters.
Your healthcare provider will need to bill Providence Medicare Advantage Plans for any care you receive during the disaster. They must do this regardless of the status of their contract with Providence Medicare Advantage Plans.
Depending on the severity of the event, there may be a delay in the time it takes to process your claims. If a delay occurs, you will be notified by mail.
If you have questions or concerns, please call Providence Medicare Advantage Plans customer service at 1-800-603-2340 or 503-574-8000; TTY: 711. Someone is available to take your call between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week (Pacific time).
In some cases, your coverage may not coordinate benefits with Medicare Part A, Part B, or Part A and B. If you wish to cancel your other coverage and recurring payments as well as ensure your dependents still have the coverage they need, please refer to the document below.
Transitioning to Medicare Advantage (PDF)
For assistance please contact 888-816-1300 (TTY: 711) Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Pacific Time).
Webpage is current as of: 03/18/2024
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