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Medicare Q&A for QLIMG Members

What Medicare options do I have?

You will be in Medicare whichever option you choose, but there are three possibilities:

1. The Original Medicare Plan: This option, which is always available (it is often called "traditional" or "fee for service" Medicare) helps pay for doctor and hospital care and certain other healthcare needs.

2. Medicare supplemental insurance (Medigap): This refers to buying a private insurance policy to use in addition to Original Medicare. Medigap offers different benefits and coverage for out-of-pocket health expenses. The cost varies according to the kind of policy chosen. Examples of Medigap plans are the AARP Medigap Plan, the Blue Cross Medigap Plan, and the GHI Senior Care Plan. The GHI Senior Care Plan covers retired New York City employees only.

3. Medicare Managed Care: This option includes plans such as HIP VIP and offers a benefits package that may include some benefits not covered by Original Medicare. However, almost all HMOs are terminating their Medicare plans in Suffolk County as of January 1, 2001.

How do I find out more about my Medicare options?

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is an important resource to get more information about your Medicare options and about the Medigap plans that are available. A SHIP representative can be contacted by calling 1-800-333-4114 or 1-212-869-3850.

May I continue to receive my healthcare services in Queens-Long Island Medical Group's Centers from QLIMG physicians?

If you choose to be covered by the Original Medicare Program, you can definitely continue to receive your health care services at Babylon, Ronkonkoma, Hicksville, Woodbury, or at any of QLIMG's twenty locations.

Does QLIMG accept "assignment?"

In the Original Medicare Plan, doctors and other providers who accept assignment accept the amount Medicare approves for a certain service or supply as payment in full. (Even if your doctor accepts assignment, you are still responsible for any coinsurance amount.) Yes, QLIMG accepts assignment. Our doctors and staff would be pleased to serve you.



Message to our Suffolk County Medicare Members