CMS launches eMedicare Initiative ahead of Oct. 15 open enrollment
Seniors can compare the cost and benefit of enrolling in traditional Medicare, or signing up for Medicare Advantage.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma on Monday announced the eMedicare Initiative to expand digital options for consumers choosing a Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan.
The modernized Medicare.gov allows beneficiaires to compare options between traditional Medicare and private Medicare Advantage insurance. It offers a mobile, out-of-pocket cost calculator to compare costs, including for prescription drugs, CMS said.
There's a simplified log in for the Medicare Plan Finder, a webchat option and surveys available for beneficiaries to give feedback.
Also, an electronic version of the Medicare Summary Notice, allows beneficiaries to view their explanation of benefits in a more timely manner at Mymedicare.gov.
The multi-year strategy offers a more streamlined approach, greater access to personal health data and improved communication channels through the website and phone, CMS said.
WHY IT MATTERS
Open enrollment begins on October 15, 2018 and a majority of Medicare beneficiaries, close to 65 percent, indicate they use the internet daily or almost daily.
With approximately 10,000 people joining Medicare each day, the Medicare population is expected to increase to more than 80 million beneficiaries in 2030, up from 54 million in 2015.
CMS Administrator Seema Verma on Monday denied the new web platform steers beneficiaries to Medicare Advantage plans, according to Politico, but the number of seniors in MA plans rather than traditional Medicare, is only expected to grow. About a third of Medicare beneficiaries are in MA plans, a number that is expected to increase to 36 percent in 2019.
Last week, CMS touted declining premiums and new benefits available to MA beneficiaires.
THE TREND
The changes announced Monday build on previous improvements giving beneficiaries the ability to print their Medicare card online and launching the consumer-facing Blue Button to download health information.
ON THE RECORD
"Since day one, President Trump has been committed to strengthening the Medicare program -- eMedicare puts his leadership into action by giving Medicare beneficiaries a simpler, more intuitive customer experience," Verma said. "Our intent is not to replace traditional channels that beneficiaries trust and depend on, but to improve and enhance them with the emerging digital options to create a user-centered, seamless consumer experience."
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com
