A (Very Incomplete) Book Mark File of Internet Sources of Information and Opinion about Medicare
File created by Fall, 1998 FIN343 class, Creighton University, Omaha, NE USA
Government Sources and Not-for-Profit Organizations
Government Sources and Not-for-Profit Organizations
Medicare -- The Official US Government Site for Medicare Information
This site is the "gateway" to the official Medicare site. A very attractive site, featuring a great graphic of a draped American flag. Does not show "last update" but the content is definitely up-to-date, from my perspective as an academic studying this topic.
Describes the Medicare program. Includes a copy of the enrollment package and an explanation of the claims form with a large picture on one so you can follow along as each item is discussed.
Lists the U.S. Government Consumer Information publications about Medicare. These are viewable on-line, however, in "stinky text" form, not a reproduction of the brochures and books themselves. They are also on-line in Spanish. Up-to-date.
Contact Information for Nebraksa
Tells who to call for many different kinds of questions. There are sites for every state. Published by the Health Care Financing Administration, on a link from official site.
This is just one sample of several sites under "Wellness" on the official US
Government site that describes a particular health problem, its diagnoses and treatments,
the
HCFA’s plans with respect to that problem, what they recommend, how Medicare
deals with the expenses of the problem diagnosis and treatment.
Shows, for each month, which "celebration of health/awareness of illness" events are happening. Each month's graphic is appropriate to the month or the health issue and each is clean and crisp and pleasant to look at. For example, February is Heart month. The accompanying text gives hints on new treatments, on what questions to ask your doctor, and on Medicare's coverage limitations or requirements for heart disease.
HCFA-Nursing Homes, Nursing Home Search Results
Allows you to search by geographic region for the nursing homes in your area and shows the results of latest audits of those nursing homes by federal agencies. Uses "box size" to show extent of violations, and "density of color in the box" to show the seriousness of violations. For example, a small box, colored densely would indicate only a few violations, but they are very severe, to the extent of causing actual harm to residents rather than just potential harm (which would show up as a sparsely colored box interior). Once you figure out the code, it is interesting. Many homes have not been audited since the site went up so information is sporadic. But, just for interest, look up the Florence Home from our speakers in October.
Lists the premiums, deductibles, co-pays, limits, etc. for 1998 and (after Nov. 1, for 1999) for Medicare.
The basic handbook for Medicare beneficiaries. This online version is a revision that is being tested. The agency has a survey form to fill out after you look at the materials to give your feedback! The feedback form opens automatically when you leave the site, so it is easy to do.
HCFA-Health Care Financing Administration Medicare Compare Database
Allows the site user to find out what providers are available in each geographic area. Lists the plan characteristics, costs, payment schedules, information phone numbers, etc.
Contains information on every Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in the country. You can locate nursing homes in your area and find information about compliance with Medicare and Medicaid regulations.
HCFA-Nursing Homes, Nursing Home Search
From the previous site, you can get to this one to search for nursing homes in your state, zip code, city, county. This link is to the starting point for Nebraska. Try searching for Omaha, to find out about the status of the Florence Home, from our October speakers.
1999 Proposed Resource Based Practice Expense Data Files
Part of a vast set of databases about costs and incidences of medical procedures.
Includes information on how to compare different plans, how to enroll and disenroll, a
glossary of terms (only place I found one of these!), a Q&A section, and a list of
educational materials available on the site.
NAIC Library Brochure
Site of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Has two bibliographies of interest here: one on Medicare/Medicaid, and one on Medigap insurance. Articles listed are recent and listed from most recent to oldest, making access easy. Some articles can be purchased from NAIC, others would have to be located by the user.
A publication of Twentieth Century Foundation, one of a series of pamphlets called "The Basics". Is a four chapter (plus introduction and reference list) description of Medicare and the needs and issues of reform. Is an excellent summary of the issues. 1995 publication date. Check out the Social Security Reform "Basics" also.
Medicare Reform -- The Nuts and Bolts of Medicare
From the listing directly above, this is the chapter that describes how Medicare works. Is an excellent description of the program, but does not include the Nov. 1998 changes.
American Diabetes Association Press Release
"MEDICARE BEGINS COVERING TOOLS TO HELP 4.2 MILLION SENIORS CONTROL DIABETES" is the title of the press release. An interesting health association site, including recipe of the day, which encourages repeat visits by a diabetic or the person who is responsible for preparing food for a diabetic, and "The World's Best Diabetes Bookstore"! Where else but on the Web, could you have a bookstore just stocked with books about diabetes?
Commercial Sites
Third Age - Money - Mary Beth Franklin - Third Age Financial Basics - Medicare
Has a ten item Q&A: such questions as "How do I apply?", and "What
does
Medicare pay for?". Answers to the questions are simple to understand and
accurate. The structure and sequencing of the questions leads the reader to the
understanding that long term care insurance should probably be considered; not
surprising since this is a commercial site!
Excerpt from a book; describes Medicare Part A and Part B, with descriptions of
services covered and dollar limits. Also defines and describes provisions of Medigap
policies, in general. Book has a 1995 copyright.
Describes the choices available under the M+C (Medicare+Choice) plan going into effect in November 1998. The author of the site is E. F. Moody, Jr., who bills himself as "The Internet's Financial Consumer Advocate" with a site he describes as "THE INTERNET'S LARGEST (OVER 1,000 PAGES AND 623 LINKS) AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL PLANNING SITE DESIGNED FOR CONSUMER KNOWLEDGE AND PROTECTION".
Press Stories: There are millions of these! A few samples:
Savannah Georgia : Savannah NOW : Top Stories : The Medicare wall
An editorial describing what happens when a Medicare patient contracts privately
with a doctor to provide service outside of the Medicare system.
Describes new regulations to require medical equipment suppliers to have a physical officethat senior citizens can visit and a listed phone number. Telemarketing sales will not be allowed.