Health Insurance for Seniors
Parent Q&A
I used Chris Packard, http://www.packardadvisoryservices.com/. He's a consultant who helps you navigate medi-cal. IMO, much more practical than an attorney -- we tried them first, but the ones we called couldn't give a cost estimate and I got the sense that they'd prefer elder issues that have a higher billable-hours potential :) Chris isn't the only consultant I've worked with -- but these dedicated medicaid consultants are, well, focused on getting the elder qualified for medicaid. Good luck!
Archived Q&A and Reviews
HMO plans / Medicare+ for Seniors
May 2004
At 66, mother is re-immigrating here from Belgium. She is still a US citizen, and is registered for Medicare. I am just starting to look into Medicare + Choice Plans and Medigap plans, and in spite of research, am still confused about the pros and cons of each. What do you know about the differences between these two options? Also, does anyone have any opinion and/or experience about either Kaiser's Sr. Advantage or Pacificare's Horizon plan? Finally, what exactly does open enrollment mean? The Medicare website says that applicants are able to take advantage of open enrollment (for Medicare + plans) in the first six weeks after signing up for Medicare B. Does that mean that that she can not be rejected for preexisting conditions? She just found out that she has early signs of cancer of the bladder and will need long term treatment and monitoring. Any information you can provide will be greatly appreciated.
Contact the Health Insurance Counselling and Advocacy Program (HICAP). It is affiliated with Legal Assistance for Seniors and located in Oakland. (510) 832-3040. Debbie
Advisor For Elder's Medical Coverage
Oct 2002
Hello, I am looking for a private individual or a non-profit agency to advise me on very specific quesions concerning the following issues: making an elderly person qualify for MediCal, MediCare or finding affordable private medical coverage for an elderly (under 65) person with severe pre-existing medical conditions If you or someone you know have used such an adviser please give me her/his contact info. Maria
Jewish Family Services is an excellent resource for eldercare of all sorts. I don't have their number but they are in Oakland. It might be called Jewish Family and Children's services. You don't have to be Jewish to work with them. anon
If you are in Alameda County, try Legal Assistance for Seniors 510-832-3040 in Oakland. Paula
Call your local Area Agency on Aging (which you can find in the phonebook). They have an information and referral line and can help find services for you at no charge. They also have volunteers that will help with the Medicaid insurance questions you have. Juliette
i am an estate planning attorney in Berkeley, but do not handle the complex issue you need, planning to qualify for a MediCare nursing home. It is a complex subject in which careful planning is required since the Medicare rules and look-back requirements must be met. Greg Wilcox, in Berkeley, is a specialist in this area. i have referred clients to him who are satisfied.
I used Chris Packard, http://www.packardadvisoryservices.com/. He's a consultant who helps you navigate medi-cal. IMO, much more practical than an attorney -- we tried them first, but the ones we called couldn't give a cost estimate and I got the sense that they'd prefer elder issues that have a higher billable-hours potential :) Chris isn't the only consultant I've worked with -- but these dedicated medicaid consultants are, well, focused on getting the elder qualified for medicaid. Good luck!