HOSPITAL "OBSERVATION" STATUS
by Sobeit 3 Replies latest watchtower medical
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Sobeit
Those over 65 and on Medicare, and if hospitalized, this could prove important financially.
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Giordano
This is important information for everyone on Medicare. Take the time to read the information because if you get caught in this "observation" boondoggle it could cost you thousands of dollars out of pocket. My take away is that you need a good supplement policy. The Medicare enrollment period starts Oct 15 and ends Dec 7. Make sure you have a supplement and do understand that you need to review the supplements available for your state though the benefits are similar the costs from the private sector are all over the place as each tacks on one or two extras that you usually don't need. Follow these suggestions from the Center for Medicare Advocacy: •If you are hospitalized, ask about your status. You can’t assume because you’re in a regular hospital room that you’ve been admitted. If you’re on observation, try to get the hospital to change status to in-patient while you’re still there. "Once people are discharged, it is virtually impossible," Callow says. More info at: http://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/11219.pdf