News

Joplin TV news station shines a spotlight on CLAIM's efforts JOPLIN, Mo. - Now until December seventh is annual open enrollment. If you're enrolled in Part D, Medicare's drug coverage, you have the chance to either switch or stick with that insurance. Karen Wells and her husband visited Mercy Hospital Joplin Friday to speak with […]

Today, the Social Security Administration announces the launch of a new Health IT initiative with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that enables all Social Security disability case processing sites to receive medical records electronically from all VA facilities. Veterans will receive a faster decision on their Social Security disability claim, speeding them and their […]

Call your local SHIP program.  The phone number is listed on your copy of the Medicare and You handbook. In Missouri, call 1-800-390-3330. We refer your call to a trained SHIP counselor in your area who will know the local program(s) you seek. We have 300 counselors statewide to help you.

There are four benchmark plans in 2017 that a beneficiary receiving extra help can enroll.  The premium for the benchmark plan will be zero and there is no deductible.  If a beneficiary, who receives full extra help, enrolls in a non-benchmark plan then the premium will be reduced and the beneficiary will be required to pay […]

To obtain the most accurate and helpful information regarding Long Term Care Insurance, start with Missouri Department of Insurance.  The department’s website is http://insurance.mo.gov/consumers/LongTerm.  On this site you will find information such as Frequently Asked Questions, Long Term Care Costs, and a variety of additional links and resources.

If a beneficiary, 65 years or older, is enrolled in Medicare while he/she is still working and is also enrolled in their employer sponsored plan, the employer plan will be primary to Medicare, in many cases.  In order for this statement to be true for the employee and/or 65 year old spouse, there has to […]

Call your local SHIP program.  The phone number is listed on your copy of the Medicare and You handbook.  In Missouri, call 1-800-390-3330. Almost all major life events will have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This will let you make the changes you need for Medicare coverage. Call to find out if a Special Enrollment Period […]

Call your local SHIP program.  The phone number is listed on your copy of the Medicare and You handbook.  In Missouri, call 1-800-390-3330.  Have your Medicare card and list of medications ready.  The SHIP volunteer will help you choose the best plan for you based on your current medications, pharmacy of choice, least restrictions and […]

Call your local SHIP program.  The phone number is listed on your copy of the Medicare and You handbook.  In Missouri, call 1-800-390-3330.  Have your Medicare card and list of medications ready.

Medicare has a program called Extra Help to help reduce Part D premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and eliminate the coverage gap.  This program is income & resource based, even if your income & resources are slightly higher than the limits, you are encouraged to apply. There are other programs called State Pharmacy Assistance Programs that vary […]