Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15 – December 7

We are here to help!

Newport Community Hospital and Newport Health Center want to help you understand your benefits and ensure that you can receive continued care in our clinic and hospital outpatient departments. We know these choices are confusing, and we are here for you. 

Join us for Medicare 101 – FREE community education event October 30, 2024

Join us for broad education regarding Medicare programs. Bring your questions!

• WHEN:  Wednesday, October 30th 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• WHERE:  Newport Community Hospital (Sandifur Room, lower level), 714 W. Pine St., Newport, WA
• FREE lunch; limited seating. Registration required.

To register, call the Foundation Office at (509) 447-6286 OR register online via EventBrite.

Why is open enrollment and review of my coverage important each year?

• During this time you can choose to stay on “regular” Medicare, which is your red, white, and blue card.
• You may also have the option of choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C). This is where it gets tricky, especially if you’re a seasonal resident, or even a Washington resident receiving primary care services in Newport.

Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) Challenges

• If you currently belong to (or plan to switch to) a Medicare Advantage Plan that does not contract primary care services through Newport Health Center, we are not able to provide your primary care at Newport Health Center.
• If you plan to choose a Medicare Advantage Plan and want to continue receiving care at Newport Health Center, we recommend contacting Patient Financial Services at (509) 447-6388 to confirm coverage. Different states also have different coverage, so it’s important to understand the differences between Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plan options. For Newport Health Center, here’s a brief breakdown:
  • Medicare Advantage HMO (Health Maintenance Organization):
    • Currently, Molina Medicare Advantage and United Healthcare Medicare Advantage provide Medicare HMO plan coverage for Washington residents at Newport Health Center.
    • Bonner County, Idaho residents with Pacific Source, Blue Cross of ID Secure Blue, Blue Cross of Idaho Care Plus/Idaho Medicaid Plus HMO or True Blue Medicare HMO plans may still be seen at Newport Health Center.
  • Medicare Advantage PPO (Preferred Provider Organization):
    • If Newport Health Center is not contracted with your Medicare Advantage PPO, your “out-of-network” benefits may apply. Please call us if you have questions.

What is Part D Medicare?

Part D Medicare is your medication coverage, and you should review your coverage for 2024. If you have new medications, have switched medications, or your insurance carrier changes its drug formulary, your cost could change if you don’t carefully review your current plan.

Call us to discuss your coverage

We are here to help you, and we want you to continue receiving the care you need at Newport Community Hospital and Newport Health Center. Please contact our Patient Financial Services representative at (509) 447-6388 with questions you may have during open enrollment (October 15-December 7).

Please note that Medicare Advantage Plan limitations only refer to Medicare coverage within our primary care clinic (Newport Health Center) and certain outpatient services of Newport Community Hospital. Emergency Room visits are still covered, regardless of Medicare coverage.