FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.qns.com OCTOBER 6, 2016 • health • The Courier sun 13 ▶health Take advantage of stable premiums for Medicare program Medicare Advantage premiums are expected to remain stable even as the number of enrolles are projected to increase to an all-time high, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced recently. CMS estimates that the average Medicare Advantage monthly premium will decrease by $1.19 (about 4 percent) in 2017, from $32.59 on average in 2016 to $31.40. This would be 13 percent lower than the average Medicare Advantage premium prior to passage of the Affordable Care Act. The majority of Medicare Advantage enrollees (67 percent) will experience no premium increase. “Medicare Advantage and the prescription drug benefit continue to be a great option for seniors and people living with disabilities,” said Andy Slavitt, CMS acting administrator. “Medicare enrollees will continue to have access to predictable premiums and highquality care.” Access to the Medicare Advantage program will remain strong, with 99 percent of Medicare beneficiaries having access to a Medicare health plan. In addition, in 2017, more Medicare Advantage plans will offer more supplemental benefits for enrollees, such as dental, vision and hearing benefits. Enrollment is projected to increase to 18.5 million enrollees next year, a 60 percent increase from 2010. In 2017, 32 percent of all Medicare enrollees will be in a Medicare Advantage plan compared to only 24 percent in 2010. Average premiums in the Medicare Part D prescription drug program will also remain stable, and beneficiaries have saved billions on prescription drugs. In July 2016, CMS announced that the a v e r a g e basic premium for a Medicare prescription drug plan in 2017 is projected to be an estimated $34 per month. Today’s projections show that access to a prescription drug plan will remain strong in 2017, with 100 percent access to a plan in the individual market and improved access to employer plans. Because of the Affordable Care Act, people with Medicare are seeing reduced costs through both savings on covered brand-name and generic drugs and access to certain preventive services with no cost sharing. Since the enactment of the Affordable Care Act through July 2016, more than 11 million seniors and people with disabilities have received savings and discounts in the coverage gap of over $23.5 billion on prescription drugs, an average of $2,127 per beneficiary thanks to the law. Medicare Open Enrollment for 2017 Medicare health and drug plans begins on Oct. 15, 2016 and ends on Dec. 7, 2016. Plan costs and covered benefits can change from year to year. Medicare beneficiaries should look at their coverage choices and decide what options best meet their needs. Beneficiaries can visit Medicare.gov (http:// www.medicare.gov), call 1-800-MEDICARE, or contact their State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Beneficiaries who are satisfied with their current coverage do not need to do anything. LOOKING FOR CARE FOR YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE? CARING IS OUR BUSINESS Licensed by New York State Department of Health Accreditation MEDICAID ACCEPTED 188 Montague Street 10% OFF with this ad OUR EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS WILL DEVELOP AN APPROPRIATE PLAN OF CARE FOR EACH CLIENT. THE PLAN WILL OUTLINE SPECIFIC TASKS TO MEET THE CLIENT’S NEEDS. WE SERVE THOSE WHO ARE: • Disabled or Elderly • In Need of Assistance with Daily Activities • Recently Discharged From the Hospital • Terminally ill • New Patients With Well Baby Care Needs • In Need of Housekeeping Services SERVICES OFFERED: • Registered Nurses • Licensed Practical Nurses • Home Health Aides • Personal Care Aides • Companions • Live In Aides • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy ALL STAFF MEMBERS ARE INSURED, BONDED & FINGERPRINTED BY NYS-DEPT. OF HEALTH Brooklyn NY T: 718-488-8300 Employment Opportunities Available Please Contact Us 25 South Tyson Avenue Floral Park, NY T: 516-358-1999 Email: [email protected] www.carelinkhomecareny.com YOUR PROMOTIONS SUPERMARKET SINCE 1995 CORPORATE & TEAM OUTFITTING H Staff Shirts H Giveaways H Family Reunions H School/Camps H Organizations/Events CUSTOM APPAREL H T-SHIRTS POPULAR BRAND WHITE TEE SCREEN PRINTED (1 COLOR) MIN. 144* ONLY $295 EACH *SAME DEAL: SWEATSHIRTS $495 EACH of the 2013 THE QUEENS (Screen Printed or Embroidered) QueensCourier.com CALL FOR FREE H CAPS/HATS H UNIFORMS H JACKETS H BACK PACKS H BAGS H TROPHIES CATALOG 866.701.3263 H 718.969.3144 WE ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS YOU NAME IT, WE GOT IT!!! (We can customize your art, logo, messages on anything!) Pens (All Types) Bags (Plastic/Paper) Calendars Water Bottles Awareness Bracelets Food Gifts Corporate Gifts Badges & Buttons Electronics Calculators Computer Accessories Eco Friendly Products Full Color Magnetic Business Cards 10 ¢ each Minimum 1,000 Your Business Card Their Refrigerator 866.701.3263 H 718.969.3144 www.PROMOTIONALEMPIRE.com
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