Statistical Methods And Empirical Findings
In this section, we discuss both the operational methods employed to test the alternative configurations based on the three evaluation criteria outlined earlier and our empirical findings. Before discussing the specific methods, it should be noted that all statistical tests were applied separately for each of the seven study States. It could be reasonably argued that States represent arbitrary spatial aggregations and that data observations should be simply pooled together over all seven States. However, given the diversity in the numbers and sizes of counties in different States, we believed it was important to assess whether the relative performance of the alternative configurations differed much among the study States. For example, in a State like Georgia, where counties are smaller, they might be expected to exhibit greater actuarial homogeneity than in California, where they are much larger. Pooling over States would obscure any State differences that could be potentially important for generalizing our empirical findings to the Nation as a whole.
Although all empirical results were reported in Porell et al. , only summary results representing population-weighted averages of State-specific findings are reported here. In general, patterns in the findings were quite consistent across the States. Any notable exceptions to the general patterns for certain States are discussed along with our general findings.
What Is The Doors File For Social Security
The data in this report are derived from the Master Beneficiary Record, the principal administrative file of Social Security beneficiaries. The Social Security Detailed Office Organization Resource System file was used to associate the field office data with the ZIP Codes. Data for field offices in each state include only beneficiaries in that state. However, some Social Security field offices serve residents of more than one state. To obtain field office totals in these situations, it is necessary to combine data for each state served by the field office. The data include only persons whose benefits are currently payable. Those whose benefits were withheld are excluded.
Want Better Health Coverage Change Your Zip Code
One of the nations largest Medicare contractors just decided that it wont cover a proven new heart monitor that tracks signs of heart failure. Thats terrible news for millions of Americans suffering from cardiac disease.
Its also a terrifying example of what happens when contractors and the actuaries who rule their books take healthcare decisions away from patients and their doctors. Indeed, Medicares reliance on private contractors to run the program exacerbates the nations health disparities by denying Americans in certain states access to life-saving medical advances.
The Medicare administrative contractor, or MAC, that rejected this monitor is Novitas. In 11 states plus the District of Columbia, Novitas processes and pays Medicare claims. Ultimately, its up to MACs not doctors or even Washington policymakers to decide if new treatments and technologies will be covered by Medicare in their jurisdictions.
All too often, the process of local coverage determinations is unpredictable and incoherent and can leave many Americans without access to vital care.
The heart monitor decision is illustrative.
The Novitas case is not unique. Last year, First Coast Medicare, a MAC which covers Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, also declined to cover CardioMEMS. The device would be particularly useful in Florida, with its large senior population. Three out of 10 deaths in Florida are due to cardiovascular disease.
Read Also: Ky State Employee Retirement Benefits
Exploring The Give Back Benefits Rise In Popularity
While the Give Back Benefit was first introduced in 2003, shows a significant spike in the number of searches for the Part B Give Back Benefit since 2020. Forbes also reported on increased interest in the benefit back in 2020. While there are a number of potential causes for the benefits rise in popularity, its hard to ignore the timing. The benefit reached peak popularity in 2020, the same year that marks the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic resulted in a lot of economic uncertainty, which is often paired with penny pinching.
Time will tell if this benefit will remain popular, but because of concern around inflation, there is no doubt that Americans nationwide will continue to prioritize saving.
You May Like: Medicare Coordination Of Benefits Phone Number For Providers
Does My Zip Code Impact My Medicare Options
Zip code does affect which plan options are available to you. For example, Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans will vary in pricing as well as features depending on your location. Additionally, you must live in the plans service area to be eligible for enrollment.
Medicare Advantage plans are impacted most by zip code changes. Did you know Medicare Advantage plans dont cover you outside the service area? So, in many cases, when you leave the service area you no longer have coverage.
Also, Medicare Advantage plan premium costs are cheaper in metropolitan areas, and more expensive in rural areas. Some areas may offer policies with a larger network of doctors or more ancillary benefits.
Since Medicare Supplement plans are standardized, they have the same coverage in all states, except for Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Minnesota. Pricing will vary greatly depending on your zip code.
If you want a policy that allows you to have coverage in another state, Medigap would be a good option for you.
Don’t Miss: What Are The Benefits Of Having Medicare
What Types Of Medicare Advantage Plans Are There
Coordinated Care Plans
Most Medicare Advantage plans are coordinated care plans. Coordinated care plans have a network of doctors and providers. If you use the plan’s network doctors and providers, you generally pay less out-of-pocket for care.
Health Maintenance Organization plans
HMO plans use a network primary care provider to help coordinate care. HMO plans usually only pay for doctors and providers in the plan network.
Point of Service plans
POS plans have the benefits of an HMO, but with more flexible doctor/provider choice. Costs are generally lower for using in-network doctors/providers.
Preferred Provider Organization plans
PPO plans cover doctors and providers both in and out of network. These plans pay a portion of the cost for using an out-of-network doctor or provider.
Special Needs Plans
Special Needs Plans have benefits that cover special health care or financial needs. All SNPs include prescription drug coverage.
- Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans for people who have both Medicare and Medicaid
- Chronic Special Needs Plans for people living with severe or disabling chronic conditions
- Institutional Special Needs Plans for people who live in a skilled nursing facility
- Institutional-Equivalent Special Needs Plans for people who live in a contracted assisted living facility and need the same kind of care as those who live in a skilled nursing facility
How You Pay The Insurance Company
The method you choose to pay the insurance carrier can also impact your premiums. Some companies will charge more for quarterly, semi-annual, and annual payments, because they prefer that you pay monthly. Furthermore, it is easier and more cost-effective for insurance companies to process payments paid electronically, rather than by check or credit card. Because of this, some insurance providers will discount the premiums if you pay with electronic funds transfer.
Also Check: Certified Employee Benefits Specialist Cebs
Medicare Is A Federal Program Why Do Costs Vary So Much Depending On Your Zip Code
If youre over 65, youre probably familiar with Medicare by now. Youve gotten hundreds of letters, youve gotten dozens of calls, and youve seen one too many Joe Nameth commercials. But even with an abundance of Medicare information, many are still confused about how the program works.
One of the calls we get all the time is Why does my uncle/cousin/grandma have a Medicare plan that costs less than mine?. People also wonder why some plans have seemingly more benefits and coverage than others. There are many options for Medicare, and the plan you choose as well as your location and prescription drug regimen are the biggest factors in the price you pay per month.
You could also choose a Medicare Advantage Plan. These plans oftentimes have $0 monthly premiums. They also may have free dental, vision, hearing, and gym membership benefits that customers enjoy. The catch is you have to pay for your Medical and Hospital care as it arises, as in, pay as you go. So while youre not paying the same monthly premiums, your costs will come in the form of service copays and coinsurance.
There are many choices you face when deciding what Medicare Plan is right for you and your family. Thats why were always here to answer any questions and add clarity to your decision. Talk to us about what your needs are, and were happy to give you an unbiased Medicare education so you can make your own decision. Contact us at 848-226-6897 to get started.
Indicators Of Relative Homogeneity
R -squared
R2 measures of homogeneity were derived through analysis-of-variance techniques. Five-digit ZIP Codes were the units of observation. The within-unit variance in ZIP Code reimbursement levels is variance that is unexplained by the geographic configuration. For any configuration within a State, total within-unit variance is defined as:
Recommended Reading: How Do I Calculate My Social Security Retirement Benefits
Why Do I Keep Getting Calls From Medicare
Medicare will never call you! Medicare may need information from you or may need to reach you but, they’ll NEVER call. You’ll get a letter that will notify you of the necessary information that Medicare needs. Long story short, if the calls you’re receiving claim to be from Medicare, it’s a spam call.
You Or Your Family Members May Be Eligible For Increased Benefits
Our mission is to deliver Social Security services that meet the changing needs of the public.
Its not unusual for a benefit recipients circumstances to change after they apply or became eligible for benefits. If you, or a family member, receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income , certain life changes may affect eligibility for an increase in your federal benefits. For example, if your spouse or ex-spouse dies, you may become eligible for a higher Social Security benefit.
To find out if you, or a family member, might be eligible for a benefit based on another persons work, or a higher benefit based on your own work, see the information about benefits on the Social Security website. You can also use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool to find out if you could get benefits that Social Security administers. Based on your answers to questions, this tool will list benefits for which you might be eligible and tell you more information about how to qualify and apply.
The questions and answers below are about a few of the life changes that could possibly increase your benefits.
Read Also: Can I Borrow Money From My Social Security Benefits
How Do I Claim Unclaimed Medicare Rebates
0:181:15Unclaimed Medicare rebates waiting to be collected | 7NEWS – YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDetails are up to date on the mygov. Website simply click on view and edit my details the averageMoreDetails are up to date on the mygov. Website simply click on view and edit my details the average amount people are missing out on is two hundred and thirteen.
Oasdi Beneficiaries By State And Zip Code 2020
This annual publication focuses on the Social Security beneficiary populationpeople receiving Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance benefitsat the ZIP Code level. It presents basic program data on the number and type of beneficiaries and the amount of benefits paid in each state, Social Security Administration field office, and ZIP Code. It also shows the number of men and women aged 65 or older receiving benefits. The data include only persons whose benefits are currently payable. Those whose benefits were withheld are excluded.
Cherice Jefferies in the Office of Statistical Analysis and Support programmed and compiled the data for this report. Staff of the Office of Dissemination edited the report and prepared it for web publication.
Natalie LuActing Associate Commissioner for Research, Evaluation, and Statistics September 2021
To avoid disclosing the reason for Social Security eligibility of small groups and the amounts of benefits received, a controlled rounding procedure was used for field office and ZIP Code data. Data are not shown for ZIP Codes with fewer than 15 beneficiaries.
Under the controlled rounding procedure, ZIP Code data on the number of beneficiaries shown in the table are changed according to the following formula:
The dollar amounts in the tables are rounded to the nearest thousand.
Dont Miss: Medicare Advantage Plans With Dental Benefits
Read Also: Amita Health Employee Benefits 2021
Statutory Accident Benefit Entitlements
In Ontario, the legislative system regulates your rights to sue and recover damages for injuries sustained as a result of a motor vehicle accident, even if you were not at-fault. All drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians are entitled to claim for accident benefits if they are injured in a motor vehicle accident. This is true regardless of who is determined to be at-fault for the accident or whether the injured person has his or her own insurance.
Income Replacement Benefits :
You are entitled to a percentage of your net income if you are unable to perform the essential tasks of your occupation or employment during the first 104 weeks of disability, within certain limits. Thereafter, you can continue to receive these benefits as long as you are continuously disabled from any occupation for which you are reasonably suited by education, training and experience.
Non-Earner Benefits
You are entitled to this if you are not employed and suffer from a complete inability to carry on a normal life as a result of the injuries from the accident. Non-earner benefits are not payable for the first six months after the accident.
Caregiver Benefits
You are entitled to this if you are the primary unpaid caregiver of a person in need , plus an additional sum for each additional person in need of care.
Medical and Rehabilitation Benefits
You are entitled to this if you are a student.
Death and Funeral Benefits
Travel Expenses
Medicare Advantage Plans In Ohio With Prescription Drug Coverage
Some Medicare Advantage plans in Ohio offer prescription medication coverage. These plans are called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans and provide both health and prescription drug coverage under one comprehensive plan.
If youâre currently enrolled in Original Medicare and want prescription drug benefits, you may prefer the convenience of having all of your benefits covered under a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan normally, under Original Medicare, Medicare Part D coverage is available through a separate, stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
Even if you donât currently take prescription drugs, itâs a good idea to sign up for Medicare Part D as soon as youâre first eligible if you donât have other creditable prescription drug coverage . If you donât have Medicare Part D and go without creditable prescription drug coverage for 63 days in a row or more, you could have to pay a late-enrollment penalty for Part D if you enroll later on.
Additional Facts about Medicare Part D in Ohio include:
- There are 24 stand-alone Medicare Part D Plans
- Everyone who has a stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan in 2022 is eligible for a lower premium plan in 2023
- The lowest Medicare Part D Plan premium available is $5.10
Read Also: 401 K Retirement Plan Benefits
What Is Medicare Part C
A Medicare Advantage Plan is another Medicare health plan choice you may have as part of Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called Part C or MA Plans, are offered by private companies approved by Medicare.
If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, the plan will provide all of your Part A and Part B coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans may offer extra coverage, such as vision, hearing, dental, and/or health and wellness programs. Most include Medicare prescription drug coverage .
Medicare pays a fixed amount for your care every month to the companies offering Medicare Advantage Plans. These companies must follow rules set by Medicare. However, each Medicare Advantage Plan can charge different out-of-pocket costs and have different rules for how you get services . These rules can change each year.
What Does Zip Code Have To Do With Medicare
It may come as a surprise the difference in Medicare options by zip code or state. Medicare programs vary depending on where you live.
Medicare is a federal program so benefits are country-wide. But, when it comes to planning options, some areas may offer a plethora of coverage options while other, usually more rural areas, will have fewer options.
You May Like: Veterans Medical Benefits And Medicare
How We Help Our Clients
We look at these Part B rebate plans for our clients who spend several months per year outside their home market and buy their drugs elsewhere typically outside the US. Even this has a potential penalty in the future which must be carefully considered against total beneficiary cost and risk in the future.
What Happens When Medicare Runs Out Of Money
It will have money to pay for health care. Instead, it is projected to become insolvent. Insolvency means that Medicare may not have the funds to pay 100% of its expenses. Insolvency can sometimes lead to bankruptcy, but in the case of Medicare, Congress is likely to intervene and acquire the necessary funding.
You May Like: Tax Benefits Of Sole Proprietorship
Things To Consider Before Choosing This Type Of Plan
This sounds really enticing especially when youre on a fixed income. But there are some things to consider first before choosing a plan with a Give Back Benefit.
You want to compare all the benefits including:
- Co-pays for services
- The annual maximum out of pocket for the plan
- Your prescription costs
- Make sure your doctors are in the network
If the costs are much higher than compared to another plan, the monthly Give Back may not be worth it. You may be able to get another plan that will provide a much better value in the long run. You definitely want to compare plans to see what makes the most sense for your situation.
Some people qualify for assistance through the Medicare Savings program, where the government pays for their Part B monthly premium. If the government pays your Part B premium, then youre not eligible for a Give Back benefit since you already get help paying for Part B.
You may want to know if theres an option for a Give Back Benefit in your area. So give us a call at 783-5901 and well be happy to show you whats available and compare your options.