Understanding Medicare

Elderly Americans attending a meeting conducted by U.S. Rep. Ben Cardin of Maryland came away saying they don't understand the new Medicare Modernization Act.

Another group of older Americans attending a meeting conducted by U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey of Georgia left saying they understood the new Medicare law a little better.

Why the difference in the two groups? One simple answer is politics. Democrat Cardin vigorously opposed the changes adopted this year in the Medicare law. Republican Gingrey, a physician, supported the overhaul.

Too many of America's elderly say they are confused -- and, as a result, upset -- over the provisions of the new Medicare law which, for the first time, includes prescription benefits.

It's likely that much of the confusion is created by partisan explanations of the new bill the elderly are getting from their federal representatives and senators.

There are a number of sources for obtaining sound information about the Medicare law.

One Web site is medicare.gov.

Many elderly Americans do not have computers or Internet access, but quite a few have Web-savvy relatives or friends. And public libraries can provide Internet assistance.

Among the topics at the top of the medicare.gov Web site are "How does the 2003 Medicare Modernization Act change my Medicare coverage?", "Can I get a new Medicare-approved drug discount card?"and "What are the Medicare premiums and coinsurance rates for 2004?"

In addition, a good many older Americans are members of organizations that regularly compile information on government programs for their members. Find one you respect and trust and see what that group has to say about the new Medicare law.

There are ample resources for getting questions answered and for getting information on which to make important decisions.

Don't let the rancor of politics get in the way. Find out what you need to know about Medicare that best fits your circumstances. Many Web sites offer special calculators that let you fill in your specific information and show you what your Medicare benefits would be.