[StBernard] Those with parents on Medicare & medigap plans

[Westley Annis]

As we all know, state officials are indicating we may be going thru more
than normal evacuations this coming hurricane season.  
 
Regarding something happening-medically with my mom while evacuated to
another state I was not concerned about insurance since she had Medicare A-B
and had a medigap plan thru Blue Cross of LA.  I figured she was safe with
that.  Now, bear with me, she also has TriCare for Life thru DOD as my
father was a retired Army officer.  When Tricare for Life was offered to
retirees I suggested to my mom and dad that they drop the medigap policy as
it duplicated what Tricare would cover.  My parents tried that and Tricare,
like its predecessor CHAMPUS is notoriously slow to pay.  My dad got several
late notices and got incensed. Althought the doctors and hospitals said they
knew about Tricare's slow pace the bills were automatically generated.  So,
with that, they reinstituted their Blue Cross medigap policy because it did
pay faster.  (I disagreed with this, personally)
 
After my father died my mom wanted to still continue the blue cross medigap
policy.  In order to reduce costs she agreed to a PPO plan.  I didn't think
it was that big a deal because the Fed BC was PPO but was PPO anywhere.
 
Cut to the current time.  My mom has been in the hospital twice here in
Alabama and has seen several doctors.  Currently she was moved today from
the hospital area to a physical rehab area due to a bit of debilitation.  I
had given the hospital her Medicare card, BC/BS supplement card and her
Tricare/military ID.  When I went to the administrator of the rehab unit she
told me they had verified that her BCBS supplement was only good in
Louisiana!!
 
Tomorrow I intend to verify that by calling Baton Rouge.  I know with my
insurance which is a PPO, a PPO is a PPO, is a PPO as long as thru the Blue
Cross network.
 
I'll post again tomorrow to advise what I find out.  And, if this is true,
and my Mom insists on carrying a medigap plan I think I will check with
AARP.  
 
Today's seniors, i.e. those over 65 and eligible for Medicare are a pretty
active group.  If they've done well in life, they are probably in that RV
toodling around the country or at least traveling some.
 
My mom is pretty fortunate in having the Tricare for Life.  Some of our
older folks could be in for a shock if they evacuate to another state, need
medical care and get this rude awakening.  And in addition, when I checked
the bcbsla.com website they had NO info on their medigap policies.
 
Jim York