Step 2 -How to Compare :: Comparing Various Health Plans involves
Matching Coverage , User Satisfaction and Costs to Your Needs with Checklists

Important things to consider first both for Medicare and pre-Medicare

»  This is an important choice. You will need to invest 4 or more hours.
This is a choice that has many personal factors.You'll need to review many different options and it would help if you have written down the information you found in [Step 1 - How to Find]. One useful document, Medicare Made Clear, provides graphical ways on how to compare your commercial options. It's a long download but the information is worthwhile.

»  Local, personalized help for Medicare choices.
Every state has a help group group called the State Health Insurance Programs (SHIPs). They provide help on an individual basis for you. Go to the web site link [Help in Your State] and find a telephone number you can call and their Web site.

» Quality ratings of health insurers.
In reviewing various health insurers, it is important to know whether they provide excellent service.
    • Many, but not all, Medicare Advantage plans listed at medicare.gov show a quality measurement from one to five stars. These rank coverage, service and responsive for MA and PD plans. Consumer Reports issue for Nov 2011 reports on health plans in most states. Click here to read a copy of the rankings published by Consumer Reports.
    • Nationally-known J.D.Powers offers results that measures satisfaction among members who purchased their coverage individually or through their employer from 133 health plans in 17 regions throughout the U.S. Not all plans are reviewed. The results include overall satisfaction, provider networks, custromer service. Be sure to consider these results in your choice. Click here to review them by State or area.
   • SPECIAL NOTE FOR MEDIGAP PLANS:  Medicare supplement (Medigap) insurers are not rated by Medicare. Medigap plans are more often rated for financial stability. Click here for Weiss ratings of Strongest Medigap insurers. There are many insurers so have your "finalist" list befpre searching. Preferably, choose one with A- rating or better.

Help in Making Your Health Care Choice

»  Review and copy info from the [Step 1 -How to Find Guide] tracking sheet
Transfer the information you entered from the [How to Find Guide] tracking sheet about the Alcatel-Lucent plans, other Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare supplement (Medigap) plans and Rx Plans to the summary sheet you can download . But please note -- there are many factors in the many plan documents that may apply to your individual case so try to read them as you make your final decision. Click to download the summary sheet for the 2012 plan year.

Review the Alternatives in Your Summary Sheet

 You will need to estimate the benefits you may receive in each case based on your own health history. Some comparisons to consider:
    • Premiums and co-pays. Some PPO plans with lower premiums may have higher co-pays or maximum out of pocket. Important costs to compare: premiums, in-network doctor co-pays, hospital co-insurance, deductibles, maximum out of pocket, out-of-network costs.
    • Doctors and hospitals. If your doctors/hospitals are in the PPO network, you may find lower total costs and less paperwork than if you need to regularly see out-of-network providers.

VERY IMPORTANT: You can find doctors/hospitals on the Internet for PPO plans. For the Alcatel-Lucent United Healthcare PPO, go to www.uhcretiree.com/alcatel-lucent. Click on [Find A Provider] and follow instructions. Other plans have similar links on their web sites. » IF YOUR DOCTOR/HOSPITAL IS NOT LISTED:  Speak to your doctor/hosipital, giving the exact name of the plan, and ask if they will accept the Alcatel-Lucent PPO plan or any other you are considering. Be sure to ask:               "Will the doctor/hospital file for direct payment from the plan?" If the answer is NO, then you will need to pay and apply for later reimbursement.

     • Medigap. Medicare supplement (Medigap) plans have higher premiums but often pay more of the costs. Also, you can see any Medicare doctor or hospital, without a network. Be sure that your plan covers pre-existing conditions. Read more in this Medigap guide from Medicare
     • Future costs. Future costs events are difficult to foresee. Medicare Advantage costs are expected to rise or benefits decrease because of the reduction of Federal subsidies in the Healthcare Reform Act in the next few years.
    
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