Why are the nuances of Medicare benefits so complicated? While journalists may never find the answer to this question, they can be more aware of this challenge as they shape their reporting.
Medicare’s arcane and overlapping regulations mean consumers often lose or are penalized for benefits for which they are entitled, according to journalist Philip Moeller, who writes about aging and related issues for PBS NewsHour and Money.
Moeller should know. He’s spent the better part of the past two years fielding consumer questions about everything from part A to part D to private payers. If it’s hard for health journalists to keep it straight, imagine a consumer who has to wade through a glossary of acronyms, track various enrollment periods, decide between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, compare drug formularies, purchase Medigap coverage or maybe has to find a new provider in their plan’s network.
With a nod to David Letterman, Moeller developed this tip sheet highlighting what journalists should know about Medicare. It’s a handy guide for reporters and editors as they plan story coverage. There are also links to important resources.
Reporters seeking more information can also check out AHCJ’s Aging and Insurance topic areas for Medicare-specific blog posts, resources, and key concepts.
