SHIIP NEWS
Nebraska Senior Health Insurance Information Program
I s s ue No. 6 0 Spring 2009
SHIIP News is published From the Desk of Director Ann Frohman
quarterly by:
The Nebraska SHIIP has completed another year of assisting Nebraskans in
The Nebraska Department
of Insurance understanding the ins and outs of their Medicare benefits. SHIIP is uniquely
Terminal Building
941 O Street, Suite 400
successful because of the many volunteers and support organizations that
Lincoln, NE 68508-3639 work one-on-one with those seeking assistance and information about
Ann Frohman, Director Medicare. Whether that information and assistance pertains to general benefit
Dave Heineman, Governor questions, how to enroll in Medicare Part D, or with understanding the
Please note our new email changes in the program from year to year, the SHIIP has sailed successfully
addresses.
through another year.
Kendra Rathjen
Program Coordinator
402-471-4506 “Medicare at the Movies” was a major highlight this past year as it launched
Kendra.Rathjen@nebraska.gov
statewide in both rural and urban communities. This was an opportunity
♦
where beneficiaries were invited to movie theaters across the state, provided
Alicia Stark
Training Coordinator free concessions, and, in some locations, entertainment, all while learning
402-471-3845 about the Medicare program.
Alicia.Stark@nebraska.gov
♦
The Medicare Part D Annual Enrollment Period was, without a doubt, the
Nick Trede
Training Specialist SHIIP’s greatest accomplishment of 2008. SHIIP counselors helped 2,446
402-471-2599 beneficiaries at 174 enrollment events, and counseled more beneficiaries than
Nick.Trede@nebraska.gov
ever before. Department of Insurance staff also pitched in, volunteering where
♦
needed as the enrollment deadline came upon us. It was an extraordinary
Sue Kuzelka
Support Staff Specialist endeavor that continues to make a difference in the lives of Nebraska’s
402-471-4961 Medicare beneficiaries.
Sue.Kuzelka@nebraska.gov
♦
None of this could have been accomplished without the time allotted by our
SHIIP hotline: 1-800-234-7119
fax: 402-471-6559 225+ volunteers, nor could it have occurred without the
www.doi.ne.gov/shiip guidance of our Regional Representatives under the
♦ direction and support of Kendra, Alicia, Nick, and Sue
SHIIP is funded by a grant from here in the Lincoln Office. My heartfelt thanks to all of Ann Frohman
the Centers for Medicare & Director, Nebraska
Medicaid Services.
you for your contributions to this invaluable program.
Department of
Insurance
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SHIIP News, Spring ‘09
TRAINING NOTES & VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHTS
Nebraska SHIIP Keeps Moving Forward
Happy Spring everyone! I know you’ve not received a SHIIP newsletter for awhile, and we apologize for that.
Circumstances/work load at the Program Office have not afforded us the time to publish a new edition - until
now. We figured that spring would be a good time to “start fresh” and get back on track.
Since you last heard from us, the SHIIP has undergone some additional changes that you should be aware of:
I have taken over the role of Regional Representative for the Lincoln-area volunteers, in addition to being
Regional Rep for the Blue Rivers (Beatrice, Fairbury, etc.) area. I have enjoyed getting to know the volunteers
in my regions, as well as having the opportunity to work with other volunteers throughout Nebraska, and look
forward to spending more time with you in the future.
In related news, Jim Bendorf is back! Jim has taken over as Regional Representative for the Mid-Nebraska
(Grand Island, Hastings) area, working part-time for SHIIP in addition to keeping up with his duties as a
minister. We are thrilled to welcome him back to the program.
The dust has settled from the 2008 Open Enrollment Period, and wow, what a season it was. The Nebraska
SHIIP posted higher client contact numbers than ever. Our office in Omaha was fortunate to receive assistance
from AmeriCorps, a national service organization that dispatched nearly one dozen volunteers to assist with
enrollment events. In the Lincoln area, employees at the Nebraska Department of Insurance pitched in as well,
counseling at enrollment events, as well as over the phone. It is all of you, however, who deserve the credit for
getting us through another enrollment season. Thanks to each and every one of you who assisted in any way.
With spring upon us, it is time to focus once again on the spring initial and update trainings. Please remember
that in order to maintain your active status as a Nebraska SHIIP counselor, you must attend both spring and
fall update trainings. Also, if you know of anyone who may be interested in becoming a volunteer, feel free to
share the dates listed below and encourage him/her to call the SHIIP hotline.
With a new administration in Washington, D.C., we can expect changes to the Medicare
program. We will keep you posted as any changes are unveiled. Let us know if you need
anything. Until summer….
Mark Your Calendars: Spring 2009 SHIIP Training Dates Announced
Beatrice: 4/28 Lincoln: 4/23 Omaha: 4/24
SHIIP Update
Training Dates Hastings: 4/22 Norfolk: 4/21 O’Neill: 4/24
Kearney: 4/29 North Platte: 4/21 Scottsbluff: 4/23
Omaha: 4/27-4/28 Lincoln: 4/21-4/22 Beatrice: 4/29-4/30
SHIIP Initial
Scottsbluff: 5/6-5/7 Norfolk: 4/30-5/1 Hastings: 4/28-4/29
Training Dates
North Platte: 4/28-4/29 Kearney: 4/20-4/21
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SHIIP News, Spring ‘09
BY THE NUMBERS: MEDICARE IN NE IN 2009
According to statistics released in February by the includes people enrolled in stand-alone prescription
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), drug plans, Medicare Advantage Plans with
88.7 percent of Nebraska’s 271,000+ Medicare prescription drug coverage, and individuals who
beneficiaries have some type of “creditable” drug receive both Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
coverage (equal to or better than Medicare Part D),
up from 88.2 percent in 2008. Also of interest is the state’s increase in total
Medicare beneficiaries. In 2008, CMS estimated the
Nebraska ranks fifth in the nation in terms of total number of people with Medicare in Nebraska to
Medicare beneficiaries with prescription drug be 268,451. In 2009, that number has grown to
coverage. North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, 271,998, an increase of over 3,500 people. Look for
and Iowa are the only states with a higher percentage. that number to increase by a much larger margin over
Nebraska ranked third in this category in 2008. the next few years.
Over half of Nebraskans with Medicare are receiving Nebraska’s enrollment statistics are represented in the
their prescription benefits through Medicare. This graph below:
Total Medicare Medicare Medicare Medicare Retiree Other Prescription Total with
Beneficiaries Stand-Alone Advantage with Drug Subsidy Drug Coverage* Prescription Drug
Prescription Drug Prescription Drug Coverage
Plans Coverage
271,998 151,180 24,130 21,791 44,027 241,128
*Includes Federal Employment Health Benefits, TRICARE, VA, and Active Workers.
2009 Medicaid, QMB, and LIS Guidelines Released
The new 2009 Federal Poverty Guidelines were released in February by the U.S. Department of Health &
Human Services. Please use these numbers as guidelines when counseling clients. Contact Health and
Human Services or the Social Security Administration for determination of eligibility. Brochures related to
the following information are available through the SHIIP Program Office.
2009 Monthly Income Guidelines Single Couple
100% Nebraska Medicaid Assistance $923 $1,235
Part B Premium Assistance (QMB) $1,239 $1,660
♦ Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit: If your annual income is below $16,245 for a single person
(and assets are under $12,510*), or $21,855 if you are married and living with your spouse (and
assets are under $25,010*), you may qualify for extra help. Slightly higher income levels may apply
if you provide 1/2 support to other family members living with you.
♦ Spousal Impoverishment Protection Act: If your spouse requires care from a long-term care
facility, you (the spouse at home) are able to keep at least half of all countable assets, up to a
maximum total of $109,560, and a minimum total of $21,912. Minimum allowable income
is $1,823/month.
* These resource limits include $1,500 per person for burial expenses. Your car and the home in which you
live do not count toward the resource limits.
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SHIIP News, Spring ‘09
SHIIP Welcomes New Volunteer Counselors
The Nebraska SHIIP is always looking for men and women who are interested in making a difference in their
communities by assisting people with Medicare. A total of 33 new volunteer counselors were recruited and
trained since publication of the last edition of SHIIP News. We’re glad to have the following on board!
Terri Babcock, North Platte Sue Fredricks, Omaha Doug Pera, Omaha
Karma Boddy, Adams Bobbie Frerichs, Lincoln Barb Rothwell, Beatrice
Jan Broome, North Platte Phyllis Hale, Norfolk Neal Sandoz, Lincoln
Rena Conner, Alma Tom Hoff, Lincoln Mike Schmidt, Kearney
Shawna Cooper, Sutherland Howard Johnson, Jr., Omaha Debra Schroeder, West Point
Virginia Czarnek, Loup City Cindy Jones, Omaha David Simmon, Loup City
Don Dammast, Norfolk Tom Kauffman, Omaha Abby Snell, Scottsbluff
Barbara Dye, Mitchell Eileen Krumbach, York Mardee Studnicks, Cozad
Ann Fenton, Pierce Jerri Merklinger, Waco Diane Terpsma, Lincoln
Cindy Fisher, Hershey Penny Moore, Stuart Lonnie Veik, Firth
Cindy Foster, Alliance Sherry Nohl, Omaha Lynne Viglicky, Hastings
Reminder: Beginning 1/1/09, all new Medicare beneficiaries are eligible
to receive a “Welcome to Medicare” Physical within the first 12 months
of their enrollment into Medicare Part B (was previously 6 months).
Estimate Future Social Security Benefits Online
In 2008, the Social Security Administration (SSA) number, mother’s maiden name and place of birth. If
introduced a new “Retirement Estimator” at the information matches SSA records, then users can
www.socialsecurity.gov. While SHIIP counselors are enter an expected retirement age and future wages.
neither trained on, nor expected to assist retirees with The Estimator combines this information with the
Social Security-related questions, the Retirement information that SSA has on record, including yearly
Estimator may be a helpful referral tool if you are earnings, to provide a quick and reliable online
faced with SSA benefit questions, especially as benefit estimate.
Nebraska’s Baby Boomers enter
retirement. To protect the user’s privacy, only the
final retirement estimates are given
The online Retirement Estimator online. The Retirement Estimator does
is a convenient, secure and quick not show earnings record information on
financial planning tool that lets which the final benefit estimate was
workers calculate how much they calculated, and it does not reveal any
might expect to receive in Social personal information, such as the user’s
Security benefits when they retire. address, earnings or other information
The attractive new feature of the that could lead to identity theft.
calculator is that it eliminates the need to manually
key in years of earnings information. The Estimator will also let users create “what if”
scenarios. Individuals can, for example, change “stop
It’s easy to use. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ work” date or expected future earnings to create and
estimator. To get an estimate, users will need to enter compare different retirement options.
their first and last name, date of birth, Social Security
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SHIIP News, Spring ‘09
Nebrask a Plans Affected by Suspension
This winter, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid The WellPoint sanctions will remain in effect until
Services (CMS) suspended marketing and enrollment CMS is satisfied that the deficiencies upon which the
activities for all WellPoint (aka Unicare) and determination was based have been corrected and are
WellCare Medicare prescription drug and Medicare not likely to recur. As of March 19, 2009, the
Advantage products. These sanctions affect 20 plan sanctions are still in place.
offerings in Nebraska.
WellCare
WellPoint
On March 7, 2009, CMS suspended marketing and
On January 12, 2009, CMS suspended marketing and enrollment for WellCare Medicare Advantage and
enrollment for WellPoint Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan contracts.
Prescription Drug Plan contracts.
Beneficiaries currently enrolled in WellCare
Beneficiaries currently enrolled in WellPoint sponsored plans will continue to receive the same
sponsored plans (aka Unicare) will continue to health care services and prescription drug coverage
receive the same health care services and prescription they have now. They will not lose any Medicare
drug coverage they have now. They will not lose any coverage. Beneficiaries who have questions should
Medicare coverage. first contact WellCare, followed by 1-800-
MEDICARE.
Beneficiaries who have had difficulty getting services
from WellPoint may have a special opportunity to WellCare has demonstrated numerous deficiencies in
enroll in a different Medicare plan. If they would like serving its enrollees in the following areas, including,
to learn more, they should contact 1-800- but not limited to: enrollment and disenrollment
MEDICARE and explain their situation. operations; appeals and grievances; timely and proper
responses to beneficiaries’ complaints and requests
WellPoint’s compliance problems include, but are not for assistance; and marketing and agent/broker
limited to failures in the following areas: enrollments oversight activities.
and disenrollments; benefits administration,
(including determining premiums, co-pays, The WellCare plans in Nebraska that are affected by
administering the benefit to LIS eligibles); grievances these sanctions include the WellCare Classic and
and appeals; marketing; claims processing; WellCare Signature prescription drug plans, as well
coordination of benefits; billing, and meeting call as the WellCare Concert, WellCare Melody,
center and customer service requirements. WellCare Prelude, WellCare Quartet, WellCare
Serenade, and WellCare Sonata Medicare Advantage
The WellPoint plans in Nebraska that are affected by Plans.
these sanctions include the MedicareRx Rewards
Standard and MedicareRx Rewards Value The WellCare sanctions will remain in effect until
prescription drug plans, as well as the SecurityChoice CMS is satisfied that the deficiencies upon which the
Classic, SecurityChoice Essential, SecurityChoice determination was based have been corrected and are
Plus, and SecurityChoice Essential Plus Medicare not likely to recur. As of March 19, 2009, these
Advantage plans. sanctions are still in place.
WellPoint has served as the Medicare Part D safety The Medicare Advantage plans affected by these
net “point-of-sale” (POS) contractor, paying claims sanctions are found on pages 11 and 20-22 of the
for Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) beneficiaries that 2009 Nebraska “Guide to Medicare Advantage
have not yet been enrolled into a Part D plan. This Insurance Plans”. If you have any questions related to
contract will NOT be affected by the suspension. these plan marketing and enrollment suspensions,
contact your Regional Representative or the Program
Office.
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SHIIP News, Spring ‘09
Nebraska SHIIP Counselors Shatter Previous CC Record
You are the BEST! It goes without saying that the 2008 Annual Election Period was the most intense seven weeks the
Nebraska SHIIP has ever experienced, and our counseling numbers reflect it. Between October 1 and December 31, 2008,
a total of 15,269 client contacts were reported to the Program Office, a nearly 79% increase from the same period in
2007! These numbers are simply amazing. THANK YOU to the following for submitting forms during the last quarter:
Sherrill Acton Lisa Franco Jami Leiker Mike Schmidt
Rita Alba Gerald Freberg Janice Libich Debra Schroeder
Richard Alberts Marian Freberg Mary Loftis Charlene Schuetz
Susan Anderson Nancy Frecks Joyce Mack Cindy Schurr
Jean Armstrong Sue Fredricks Laura Mackeprang Rick Scofield
Dee Bailey Bobbie Frerichs Carla Mahar Carla Scott-Copple
Angela Barkmeier Marietta Gallino Linda Maly Norman Simon
Mary Barnum Donna Garwood Rebecca Martinez Tess Sinner
Carol Barr Sonya Glup Vivian McDougall June Small
Dorann Bartels Barbara Graham Nancy Meeker Charlotte Smart
Jack Bartels Charlie Graham Jerri Merklinger Shirley Smith
Rita Bartels Gloria Gummere Nancy Meyer Abby Snell
Harry Bianchi Karen Gunther Mary Pat Miller Traci Snyder
Donna Blake Lorraine Hahn Penny Moore Lenore Spencer
Susan Block Phyllis Hale Brenda Motis Bonnie Stertz
Charles Bloyd Brenda Halstead Caroll Mount Betty Stiles
Karma Boddy Bill Hamilton Donna Mulder Rhonda Stokebrand
Jalonda Bouray Helen Hancock Jeanne Murray Marde Studnicks
Kathy Bowman Jennifer Harlan Thomas Murray Jennifer Sugars
Rita Brehmer Michael Hashman Tammy Musgrave Robin Szwanek
Jan Broome Amanda Hashman Diane Nieveen Shawna Tatman
Kim Buser Misty Hasselquist Jack Noodell Jan Taylor
Lori Byers Jon Headrick Kathy Oestmann Diane Terpsma
Jim Byrd Debbie Hellbusch Mary Sue Offerjost Rachel Theye
Jill Cammack Cathy Hitz Carol Opp Dick Thompson
Theresa Cash Nancy Hoblyn Len Pacer Steve Trickler
Carolyn Cerny Tom Hoff Theresa Parker Patti Turner
Sue Chipman Mary Ann Holland Sue Pearman DeAnna Tuttle
Amie Clausen Rod Horsley Doug Pera Carol Uden
Donna Clevenger Joyce Huggans Sally Pichler James Umshler
Tena Cline DeMaris Humphrey Shirley Pitcher Jean Van Mark
Dave Conklin Duane Humphrey Nancy Plummer Lonnie Veik
Rena Conner Roylene Jenkins Sandy Preston Lynne Viglicky
Shawna Cooper Sue Jilg Jina Ragland Ruth Vonderohe
Becky Covalt Lucy Johnson Gerry Rathouz Harrison Warren
Mike Cvitak Cindy Jones Sue Rikli Amber Washburn
Virginia Czarnek Gayle Jorgensen Lloyd Rippe Judy Weber
Mary Dailey Lonni Kallhoff Jacki Rittscher Deb Whaley
Don Dammast Dennis Kamprath Sharon Roberds Janet Wheelock
Lori Dannar Dave Karr Pamela Roberts Diane White
Lori DeBoer Ginny Kepler Marliss Rockwell Judy Williams
Houston Doan Karen Koenig Denise Roeber Susan Williams
Janet Domeier Lenone Koenig Jane Rose Cathy Willits
Connie Dvorak Ann Kroeger Kathy Ruzicka Harley Winchester
Kathy Erickson Eileen Krumbach Neal Sandoz Jeanine Wragge
Chuck Evans Trudy Kubicek Melissa Santana Don Zebolsky
Jeane Farwell Vicki Kusmierski Mary Sawaged Doe Zwick
Ann Fenton Shirley Lake Susan Schawe
Karen Flesner Danette Larkins Cathy Schievelbein
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SHIIP News, Spring ‘09
Outreach Events Remain Strong During Open Enrollment
Another great year! Despite reporting more individual client contacts in a single quarter than ever before, Nebraska SHIIP
counselors also maintained a high level of visibility in their communities between October 1 and December 31, 2008.
A total of 535 events were reported to the Program Office. This includes presentations, informational booths, enrollment
events, and media interviews. Our hats are off to the following for submitting PAM forms during the last quarter:
Sherrill Acton Gerald Freberg Joyce Mack Susan Schawe
Rita Alba Marian Freberg Laura Mackeprang Cathy Schievelbein
Jean Armstrong Nancy Frecks Carla Mahar Debra Schroeder
Dee Bailey Sue Fredricks Vivian McDougall Cindy Schurr
Carol Barr Marietta Gallino Nancy Meeker Rick Scofield
Dorann Bartels Donna Garwood Jerri Merklinger Carla Scott-Copple
Jack Bartels Sonya Glup Nancy Meyer June Small
Rita Bartels Charlie Graham Brenda Motis Charlotte Smart
Harry Bianchi Karen Gunther Caroll Mount Lenore Spencer
Susan Block Brenda Halstead Jeanne Murray Bonnie Stertz
Charles Bloyd Helen Hancock Thomas Murray Rhonda Stokebrand
Jalonda Bouray Jennifer Harlan Tammy Musgrave Marde Studnicks
Rita Brehmer Misty Hasselquist Jack Noodell Jennifer Sugars
Kim Buser Debbie Hellbusch Mary Sue Offerjost Brenda Syfie
Lori Byers Cathy Hitz Len Pacer Robin Szwanek
Jim Byrd Nancy Hoblyn Theresa Parker Rachel Theye
Carolyn Cerny Tom Hoff Sue Pearman Dick Thompson
Sue Chipman Mary Ann Holland Sally Pichler Steven Trickler
Amie Clausen Joyce Huggans Shirley Pitcher DeAnna Tuttle
Donna Clevenger DeMaris Humphrey Nancy Plummer Carol Uden
Rena Conner Duane Humphrey Sandy Preston Lynne Viglicky
Becky Covalt Sue Jilg Jina Ragland Ruth Vonderohe
Virginia Czarnek Gayle Jorgensen Gerry Rathouz Harrison Warren
Lori Dannar Dave Karr Sue Rikli Judy Weber
Lori DeBoer Ginny Kepler Pat Ringlein Deb Whaley
Houston Doan Karen Koenig Lloyd Rippe Diane White
Connie Dvorak Lenone Koenig Sharon Roberds Judy Williams
Walter Dye Eileen Krumbach Pam Roberts Susan Williams
Kathy Erickson Vicki Kusmierski Marliss Rockwell Cathy Willits
Ann Fenton Danette Larkins Denise Roeber Jeanine Wragge
Lisa Franco Mary Loftis Jane Rose Doe Zwick
If anyone receiving SHIIP News by mail would prefer to receive an electronic version, email Nick Trede
at Nick.Trede@nebraska.gov. You’ll receive each edition sooner, and it’s a great way to “Go Green!”
Reminder: Submit Your Counseling and Activity Reporting Forms
SHIIP counselors are required to submit a minimum of twelve (12) Client
Contact and/or Public and Media Activity forms every grant year to maintain
their active status with the program. The 2008-09 grant year ends March 31,
2009. Please take the time to fill out these reporting forms and submit them in a
timely manner. The annual SHIIP grant and future Performance Awards are
based, in part, on this data. Please contact your Regional Representative or the
Program Office if you have any questions.
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SHIIP News, Spring ‘09
Nebraska
Senior Health Insurance Information
Program
Nebraska Department of Insurance
ATTN: SHIIP Program
941 O Street, Suite 400
Lincoln, NE 68508-3639
22 40 04
♦ SHIIPSHIIP News, Spring ‘09 ‘09 ♦
8
News, Spring