August 2005

WHICH MEDICARE MEDICAL CARD DO I USE?

Are you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage program, but still using your old Medicare red, white and blue insurance card? If so, read this article carefully, so that you don't end up paying more than you should for medical services.

The Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), a division of the North Carolina Department of Insurance, has become aware of a recurring problem for Medicare recipients - people who have chosen a Medicare Advantage Plan for their medical coverage are using their old Medicare red, white and blue insurance card when they go to the doctor or hospital. This poses a problem because billing procedures are different for Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans, and using the wrong card will send claims to the wrong provider.

For example, if John Doe chooses a Medicare Advantage Plan as his medical coverage, but he still uses his old Medicare card, then every time John goes to doctor and presents his old Medicare red, white and blue insurance card, his doctor's office sends the bills to Medicare instead of his chosen Medicare Advantage plan. Then, Medicare refuses to pay the bill because John isn't covered by Original Medicare; he's covered by a Medicare Advantage Plan. By the time the doctor's office figures out what has happened, it's too late for John's claim to be submitted to Medicare Advantage, and John is left to pay the entire bill.

Make sure you are using the correct card for your insurance coverage. If you have chosen a Medicare Advantage program, you should have received a special Medicare Advantage insurance card. Whenever you visit your doctor or a hospital, make sure to present the Medicare Advantage card instead of your old red, white and blue Medicare insurance card. If you show the card, then your doctor will bill the wrong Medicare plan.

Check with your doctor's office to make sure your doctor and hospital will accept the plan you are considering purchasing. If they do accept the new plan, and you change your coverage, it is very important to stop using the card from your old plan and begin using the insurance card that is for your new Medicare coverage.

To find out more about Medicare Advantage Plans or other questions, contact SHIIP toll free at 1-800-443-9354 or email us at shiip@ncdoi.net.

- NCDOI -

SHIIP is a division of the North Carolina Department of Insurance that offers free, objective information about Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare managed care and long-term care insurance. There is absolutely no selling involved, as the program is a state-operated service. For questions about SHIIP or to find a coordinator in your area, please call 1-800-443-9354.