One of the most overwhelming things I faced as I helped my mother through her health/life crisis back in 2008 was the world of Medicare. My mother could spout out almost every term used in Medicare, but she admitted to being quite confused by it all. I eventually found my way to the Medicare site, and their wonderful Plan comparison tool for Medicare Part D. But, there is so much more for adult children and family caregivers to know about Medicare than that one tool.
I am happy to say that today Medicare unveils its newly re-designed “Ask Medicare” website (replacing the existing site for caregivers.) They listened to and incorporated feedback from caregivers, just like you and me. The result is an intuitive, content-rich site that is a “one-stop online resource for high quality information about Medicare.”
Those of us who are caregivers or advocates for caregivers know that caregivers are faced with 3 big challenges, a lack of time, being isolated and struggling with increasing costs. The site was designed with those needs in mind.
Let me walk you through some of the functionality and features that I think will help adult children.
- The home page puts key items of interest at your fingertips, including Medicare Basics (the first stop for anyone new to Medicare), Paying for Care, Condition-specific Information, Support for caregivers (including links/resources outside of Medicare) and Care Options.
- A new feature and one that Medicare is putting a lot of emphasis around is the “Real Caregiver Story.” You’ll be able to submit your story and photos. Each and every submission will be carefully reviewed for inclusion. Think of how compelling our stories and ‘lessons learned’ can be for others. I love this feature of sharing.
- Caregiver videos will be offered, such as “making the transition from hospital to home.”
- You’ll have access to several trustworthy compare tools, including the Hospital Compare tool, and the Home Health agency compare tool.
- You’ll find a whole list of external resources, including VA and the ElderCare Locator (to find an Area Agency on Aging anywhere in the country.)
- And, you’ll have the option to sign up for the “Ask Medicare” newsletter that will be published 6 times a year.
Now that you know why I think the newly designed “Ask Medicare” website will be a very helpful tool for you, I encourage you to visit Marti Weston’s site, AsOurParentsAge.net, to check out screen shots of the new website and Marti’s insight on what “Ask Medicare” can do for you as you care for your aging parents.
To reach Marti’s post, click here.
To reach the new “Ask Medicare” site, click here.
{ 2 trackbacks }
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Collaborating was a pleasure. I always learn from your well-sourced and information-filled posts and your podcasts, too.