Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15 – December 7

We are here to help!

Newport Hospital & Health Services wants to help you understand your benefits and ensure you can receive continued care in our clinic and hospital outpatient departments.

Before signing up for a Medicare Advantage Plan, please call us at (509) 447-6388 or contact your local insurance broker to ensure your new plan is in-network with Newport Health Center and hospital for outpatient services. Even if a zip code search online shows coverage in your area, it does not guarantee that we are in-network with that payer.

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.
• Sponsored by Riverbend Insurance, Newport, Washington

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). We understand that choosing a plan can be overwhelming and confusing at best, and we want to help.
• The Washington State Hospital Association created a resource guide – The FACTS About Medicare Advantage

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 cannot 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. Understanding the differences between Medicare Supplemental, Medicare Advantage HMO, and PPO plan options is important. For Newport Health Center, here’s a brief breakdown:
  • Medicare Advantage HMO (Health Maintenance Organization):
    • Molina Medicare Advantage will not provide coverage for Washington residents in 2025. If you currently have Molina Medicare Advantage, please call us at (509) 447-6388 or contact your local insurance broker for assistance.
    • Bonner County, Idaho residents with Pacific Source (Explorer or Essentials plan), 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 prescription drug coverage. We recommend you review your coverage options to ensure any required prescription drugs are covered under your Part D plan choice.

Call us to discuss your coverage

We are here to help and want you to continue receiving the care you need at Newport Hospital & Health Services. Please contact our Patient Financial Services representative at (509) 447-6388 with your questions. 

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