Medicare Advantage and Rural Health Access Concerns

Open Enrollment for Medicare is from Oct. 15 - Dec. 7 and is the time when Medicare recipients can select and change the type of plan and coverage they want for 2024, whether it be traditional Medicare or coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan.

When considering options, we wish to draw attention to a concerning article from the Nebraska Hospital Association and National Rural Health Association that was recently shared with media outlets.  Click HERE to view.

The article outlines a variety of difficulties experienced with Medicare Advantage plans in relation to coverage for recipients, as well as the issues most rural healthcare organizations experience with reimbursements and approval for care.

Memorial Community Health is committed to providing exceptional healthcare in the community we live and work. As it currently stands, we encourage Medicare recipients to consider opting for traditional Medicare along with any traditional Medicare supplemental plan that may be desired. If a Medicare Advantage plan has already been selected, we recommend recipients check with their plan administrators to be sure they understand their coverages.

For questions and additional information, please refer to one of the following resources:

• Nebraska SHIP, State Health Insurance Assistance Program: 1-800-234-7119

• Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to talk with a customer support representative—or visit the Medicare.gov website to start a live chat. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

• If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, contact your plan administrator.