For those who joined or renewed their Medicare Advantage plan this year, don’t forget to take time to unwrap the bundles of information you should have received from your plan by now. Annually, Medicare plan sponsors are required to send new and existing members information on premiums, benefits, cost sharing and all covered services. It should also explain how to access benefits and get help from the plan.

Here are examples of some of the materials:

Welcome Letter — Confirms enrollment and may be used to verify coverage, if you need services before your membership card arrives

Medicare Membership Card — The card you will use to receive health and/or drug benefits

Evidence of Coverage — This booklet offers details about your Medicare Advantage Plan

Summary of Benefits — This booklet summarizes key features of the plan and costs

Drug Formulary — A list of drugs covered by your plan

Provider & Pharmacy Directory — A listing of your plan’s in-network providers

Medicare Plan Ratings — Medicare Health and Prescription Drug rating based on your plan’s quality and performance

Multi-Language Interpreter Service — Notice that plan provides free interpreter services

Privacy Notice — Explains how medical information about you may be used or shared, and how you can get this information


Martha Khlopin hosts the popular weekly radio program “Medicare Moment with Martha — The World of Medicare” sponsored by AlohaCare. It airs on KHNR-690AM on Saturdays from 11 – 11:30 am and on KGU-99.5FM on Sundays from 10 – 10:30 am. For information, call 808-973-0754, mkhlopin@alohacare.org. (Calling this number will direct an individual to a licensed insurance agent/broker). AlohaCare Advantage (HMO) is a HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in AlohaCare Advantage depends on contract renewal. H5969_400253_1 CMS Accepted 02012014