HSHS Holy Family Hospital issued the following announcement on Dec. 2.
HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Breese, HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland are committed to providing patients with the highest quality care that is easily accessible and affordable. As part of a health care system, these hospitals work with many different insurance and managed care companies each year to seek ways to best align the payments the hospitals receive with the quality of care they provide for their patients.
When reviewing your options, it is important to understand whether your insurance plan limits your access to certain doctors or hospitals. As you compare plans, make sure you view the network which goes with a particular plan. Doctors, hospitals and other providers may be in one of the company's provider networks, but not in others. Also, be sure to review the number of primary care physicians and specialists that are available to you and the geographic locations of those providers. Even if you are currently healthy, it is important to pay attention to the specialists available in the networks you consider in case you need specialized care in the future.
Medicare Open Enrollment Deadline
The new open enrollment period for Medicare is now open through Saturday, December 7, 2019. Insurance coverage begins January 1, 2020. In order to receive coverage on January 1, participants must enroll by December 7, 2019. To find out more about Medicare open enrollment, visit medicare.gov. This site offers many tips and steps to help you be informed about options including the following quick tips to get ready to enroll:
1. Check your mail. Important notices from your current plan, Medicare, or Social Security about changes to your coverage or prescription drug payment programs will be mailed. Brochures from companies that offer Medicare health and prescription drug plans may also send information. The public is reminded that plans aren’t allowed to call or come to your home without an invitation from you.
2. Review your new “Medicare & You” handbook. It has information about Medicare coverage, as well as Medicare plans in your area. There is also a downloadable version online at https://www.medicare.gov/forms-help-resources/medicare-you-handbook/download-medicare-you-in-different-formats.
3. Review your current coverage. Plans change and your needs change. Carefully review any materials and changes in costs or coverage that will happen in 2020 and decide if your current Medicare coverage will meet your needs for the year ahead.
4. Preview 2020 health & prescription drug plans online using the Medicare Plan Finder to compare coverage options and shop for plans.
Get personalized help in your community. Check community resource organizations for local educational events that may have health insurance counselors to answer questions.
Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) is also offering a toll-free Medicare insurance helpline where you can also compare and enroll in Medicare plans accepted by your physicians and hospital by calling MedicareCompareUSA at 1-855-480-0049. This helpline can be a one-stop resource for insurance information so patients can be confident in making informed decisions about their Medicare insurance options.
Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment
The new open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance exchange is now open through Sunday, December 15, 2019. Insurance coverage begins January 1, 2020. In order to receive coverage on January 1, participants must enroll by December 15, 2019. Health Marketplace information is available on the internet at getcoveredillinois.gov or by calling 1-800-318-2596.
The HSHS Southern Illinois Hospitals of HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Breese, HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland are Participating Providers with numerous health plans. To view the health plans accepted at each hospital, visit the web sites below:
HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Breese – https://www.stjoebreese.com/Patient-Guest/Billing-Information
HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville – https://www.hshsholyfamily.org/Patient-Guest/Billing-Information
HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland – https://www.stjosephshighland.org/Patient-Guest/Billing-Information
Original source can be found here.
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