Health insurance companies argue that seamless conversion is convenient for its members, and has been well-received.
Aetna Inc. is starting seamless conversion in 17 counties in Florida this fall for existing members of its individual or public exchange plans who become eligible for Medicare. "We will match them to a Medicare Advantage plan that is very similar to what they're used to and enroll them automatically," a spokesman said. The company's notification process goes beyond the federal requirements, including a phone
call to make sure the notification letter was received, read and understood.
UnitedHealthcare, meanwhile, recently received CMS approval to use seamless enrollment for its Medicaid members in Arizona into its Advantage plan for people who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. The company also says it will be following up its mailings with a phone call.
A CMS spokesman says it has seen "very few issues or complaints" from consumers thus far regarding seamless enrollment. The Medicare Rights Center, which operates a toll-free hotline on Medicare for consumers, also has not seen a large volume of complaints or problems, Baker said.
Baker thinks most seamless conversion activity involves dual-eligible Medicaid plan members -- and that is sensible from a public policy standpoint. "It's a vulnerable population," he said, "and you want to make sure there's no gap in coverage because it could really affect a person's health." But convenience alone is a questionable policy goal, he adds.
If anything, the seamless conversion debate underscores the complexity of the transition into Medicare. Back in the days when everyone filed for Social Security at age 65, enrollment for Medicare was automatic.
But with more people working longer and delaying their Social Security filing, the transition may involve shifting from employer coverage or from a public marketplace policy. "The transition is more fraught," Baker said. "It's really important
to open all your mail -- especially anything that comes from an insurance company that already covers you."
Free help with enrollment is available from Medicare's toll-free line (1-800-MEDICARE), the Medicare Rights Center (1-800-333-4114) or your local State Health Information Program. Find your local program here (bit.ly/1OU0sfN).
The writer is a Reuters columnist. The opinions expressed are his own.