"Providing a safety net for Maryland seniors is one of my top priorities."
--Senator Barbara A. Mikulski

Withdrawal of Medicare HMO Service in Maryland

Senator Mikulski is deeply concerned about the Medicare HMO service pullout in Maryland:

• Three Medicare HMOs have announced that they plan to discontinue Medicare HMO service in Maryland on January 1, 2001.
  
  
• The only Medicare HMO planning to continue operating in Maryland has announced that it will freeze enrollment and increase premiums

Informing our Seniors

Senator Mikulski urges seniors not to panic:

• No matter what, seniors will still have Medicare coverage.
  
  
• Seniors can call their local Office on Aging for one-on-one counseling about their options. If you don't have the number for your local office, you can call Maryland's Senior Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program at the number below for a referral to your local office.

  1-800-243-3425

Preserving Health Care for Our Seniors

Seniors need to consider all of their options:

1. Return to the traditional Medicare fee-for-service program; or
   
   
2. Return to traditional Medicare and
   
   
   • Buy a Medicare supplemental insurance plan (often called "Medigap") that covers some deductibles and other expenses not paid for by Medicare; or
   
   
3. Enroll in another Medicare HMO if one is available.
   
   

Standing Up For Seniors

Senator Mikulski will continue to strengthen and preserve Medicare for Maryland seniors.

• She fought for and succeeded in passing legislation in November 1999:
  
  
  • That gives Medicare HMOs "bonus" financial incentives to stay in or reenter rural areas.
    
    
  • That provides $20 billion in increased reimbursement to Medicare HMOs, hospitals, nursing homes and other providers.
  
  
• She will keep fighting:
  
  
  • For Medicare coverage of prescription drugs that is:
    
    
    • Meaningful
      
    • Reliable
      
    • Affordable
      
    • Voluntary