Press release from Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital:
Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital announced today the launch of a toll-free helpline designed to help Medicare beneficiaries select a health plan that fits their needs and budget while also keeping in-network access to the doctors and hospital services they trust.
The new toll-free helpline, run by MedicareCompareUSA, connects callers with local licensed agents who can assist in comparing Medicare Advantage, Supplement and Prescription plans and then facilitate enrollment in the plan selected. Through this program it will be easier for Medicare beneficiaries to find a plan that is in-network with both Harris and Swain hospitals and their affiliated doctors. Patients can access the helpline through a link on the hospital’s website, MyHarrisRegional.com or MySwainCommunity.com.
“Seniors are bombarded with confusing messages from competing health plans and options, and this is especially true for those just turning 65 and becoming eligible for Medicare for the first time,” said Steve Heatherly, CEO. This helpline is a one-stop resource for insurance information, so seniors can be confident in the selections they make.”
In addition to providing assistance throughout the plan application and enrollment process, agents of MedicareCompareUSA can provide an annual review of an enrollee’s Medicare coverage during Medicare’s annual enrollment period. This often includes assisting members affected by Medicare plan network changes that frequently occur on an annual basis. Doing so assures that beneficiaries have the information they need to proactively select a plan that best meets their specific needs, preferences and budget while retaining continuity of care with their providers.
Heatherly points out that Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital are not in-network with all insurance options or health plans, and contractual relationships may change on an annual basis. If a patient enrolls with a health plan with which the hospitals do not have a contract, they may experience increased out-of-pocket expenses for receiving care from the doctors they know and trust.
“Our patients trust us to be their healthcare partner,” said Heatherly. “This helpline will assist Medicare patients in making an informed decision regarding their insurance options at this important time in their life. We urge all local seniors to take advantage of this free service.”
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