Open enrollment for Medicare beneficiaries ends on December 7th. Now, there's another warning about one popular plan. Great Plains Health System in North Platte plans to stop accepting Medicare Advantage plans in 2025. But North Platte residents aren't the only ones to worry about, according to Grate. Ivan Mitchell, CEO of Plains Health. “We see these issues continue to escalate,” Mitchell said. “This has resulted in multiple delays or denials of services to patients in need of care, costing time and resources and harming revenue and other patients.” I feel that by not being part of the Advantage Plan network, we are better able to protect the public. '' Mitchell said. “It's becoming a matter of survival. Great Plains Healthcare, we're fine. We're in a stable position. There are quite a few people around us who aren't,” Mitchell said. Ta. Medicare Advantage enrollees will have to pay additional out-of-system costs if they want to stay with the plan. However, new options have been added. Great Plains applied for and was granted a special enrollment period with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which regulates plans at the federal level. Residents in this region can switch to traditional Medicare without undergoing a medical evaluation to qualify for supplemental insurance. “There were 100 to 200 people who would not be eligible to return to the supplemental plan without going through the medical underwriting process,'' Mitchell said. Fifty-four percent of Nebraska seniors are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Brokers told KETV Newswatch 7 that this is due to expanded insurance coverage, including dental, lower initial costs and other incentives. But now one-third of Nebraska's hospitals are affiliated with hospitals in places like the Great Plains. no longer accepts some or all Medicare Advantage plans. “Medicare Advantage is not a benefit to the patient in this situation,” Cozad Community Hospital System said. CEO Robert Dyer said this in a media briefing on October 1st. Gina Ragland is associate director of advocacy and outreach for AARP Nebraska. She said AARP supports consumer choice and urges federal regulators to keep both options strong and on a level playing field. “It is important to ensure that all Medicare beneficiaries in Nebraska are treated fairly, regardless of whether they are enrolled in MA or traditional Medicare, and regardless of where they live.” and access all the medical services they need in a timely manner,” Ragland said. Statement to KETV Newswatch 7. Again, open registration is open for seniors until December 7th. Equitable assistance is available. Anyone eligible for Medicare can call the Nebraska Health Insurance Assistance Program at 800-234-7119.
Open enrollment for Medicare beneficiaries ends on December 7th.
Now, there's another warning about one popular plan.
Great Plains Health System in North Platte will stop accepting Medicare Advantage plans in 2025.
But North Platte residents aren't the only ones to worry about, said Ivan Mitchell, CEO of Great Plains Health.
“We see these issues continue to escalate,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell said Medicare Advantage requires prior authorization for some services, leading to multiple delays and denials for patients in need of care.
It takes time and resources and has a negative impact on revenue and other patients.
“We feel we are better able to protect the public by not being in network for Medicare Advantage plans,” Mitchell said.
“It's becoming a matter of survival. Great Plains Health, we're OK. We're in a stable position. There are quite a few people around us who aren't,” Mitchell said. Ta.
Medicare Advantage enrollees must pay more out-of-system costs if they want to stay on the plan.
But they were given a new option. The City of Great Plains applied for and was granted a special enrollment period with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which regulates plans at the federal level.
Residents in this area can switch to traditional Medicare without undergoing a medical evaluation to qualify for supplemental coverage.
“There were 100 to 200 people who would not be eligible to go back to the supplemental plan without going through the medical underwriting process,” Mitchell said.
So why should people in urban areas be concerned?
54% of Nebraska seniors are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Brokers told KETV Newswatch 7 that this is due to increased coverage, including dental coverage, lower initial costs and other incentives.
But now, like the Great Plains, one-third of Nebraska hospitals do not accept some or all Medicare Advantage plans.
“Medicare Advantage is not a benefit to patients in this situation,” Cozad Community Hospital System CEO Robert Dyer said in an Oct. 1 media briefing.
Gina Ragland is deputy director of advocacy and outreach for AARP Nebraska.
He said AARP supports consumer choice and is calling on federal regulators to keep both options strong and on a level playing field.
“Every Medicare beneficiary in Nebraska, whether enrolled in MA or traditional Medicare, will be treated fairly and regardless of where they live,” Ragland said in a statement to KETV Newswatch. “It is important that people have access to the medical services they need in a timely manner, regardless of their condition.” 7.
Again, open registration is available for seniors until December 7th.
You will receive fair support.
Anyone eligible for Medicare can call the Nebraska Health Insurance Assistance Program at 800-234-7119.
