Epilepsy Resources

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    Information and Referral

    This free program provides resources to ensure appropriate and accurate information for those impacted by epilepsy. The program empowers, supports, educates and connects those in the epilepsy community to inspire them to successfully manage their healthcare and lives.

    Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate your journey with epilepsy. Armed with expertise and compassion, we give you the tools, information and referrals to resources needed to help you take control of:

    • Proper medical protocol, personal health maintenance and referrals.
    • Managing mental and emotional health.
    • Legal rights, the power of the ADA, and the benefits and risks of disclosure.
    • Students’ rights to a proper education and a productive relationship with your school.
    • Advocating for yourself and others.
    • Access to therapeutic approaches to better manage your condition.

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    Medicare Information

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    Medicare Plan Options

    Within the Medicare program, there are options that allow you to customize your health insurance coverage to meet your needs and budget. If you’re generally healthy and aren’t managing a chronic condition, then the Original Medicare plan may cover everything you need. If you want prescription drug coverage or lower cost-sharing responsibilities, then you may add Part D coverage or Medicare Supplement Insurance to your policy. For the most robust coverage, you may want to check out Colorado’s Medicare Advantage program.

    Original Medicare

    Original Medicare is the basic fee-for-service plan offered by the federal government. This plan covers hospital and medical expenses, including inpatient hospital and nursing home stays, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventative services. To be eligible for this coverage, you must be at least 65 years old or have a qualifying disability or End Stage Renal Disease. In addition to your monthly premium, you generally pay a $1,484 deductible per benefit period for your Part A coverage, and you may have to pay coinsurance depending on how long you’re in the hospital. Your Part B premium has a $203 deductible, and then you generally pay 20% of your health care costs after meeting your deductible.

    Medicare Advantage Plans

    Medicare Advantage Plans, also called Part C plans, are an alternative option for getting your Part A and Part B coverage. These plans are popular among those managing chronic conditions or who want more robust coverage. They typically include benefits such as prescription drug coverage; vision, dental, and hearing services; and discounts for fitness and wellness programs. Some Medicare Advantage Plans have separate monthly premiums in addition to the standard Part B premium. Depending on your plan, you may have medical or prescription drug deductibles that must be met before your coverage kicks in. You also may have copays for in-office and telehealth visits with doctors and specialists.

    Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Plans

    Prescription drug coverage, also called Part D, is an optional coverage that you can add to your Original Medicare policy. While you may be tempted to skip this coverage when you initially sign up for Medicare if you aren’t taking any prescriptions at the time, it’s important to consider your future needs. You can add this coverage later on, but you’ll be subject to late enrollment penalties for as long as you have your policy. There are several Part D plans to choose from, so it’s a good idea to review a plan’s list of covered drugs and tier pricing before signing up.

    Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans

    Original Medicare covers a large portion of the medical services you receive, but your cost-sharing obligations may add up quickly if you experience an injury or illness and end up spending an extended period of time receiving inpatient services. Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Medigap, are plans sold by private companies that cover some of the out-of-pocket expenses you may incur. Medigap policies cover health care costs such as your Part A copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. Depending on which plan you choose, it may also provide coverage for medical care when you travel outside of the United States.

    Medicare in Colorado by the Numbers

    *Most people pay no premium, but this can vary depending on how long they paid Medicare taxes.
    **This is the average number, but it can vary based on income.

    Medicare Resources in Colorado

    As a Colorado resident, you have access to a variety of agencies and programs that can take the hassle and confusion out of finding health insurance that fits your needs. The following resources are free to use and provide guidance with evaluating your health care needs and staying up-to-date on enrollment periods. They can also help you get the most from your policy by ensuring you understand and know how to use your benefits, recognize and report Medicare scams or abuse, and appeal denied claims or canceled policies.

    Colorado Division of Insurance

    The Colorado Division of Insurance is the agency that regulates insurance policies throughout the state and enforces laws that protect consumers. The Division administers the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, which provides you with free, unbiased counseling regarding your post-retirement health insurance options. SHIP counselors are volunteers who are trained to answer any questions you have about your Medicare benefits, Medigap and Medicare Advantage Plans, and long-term care insurance. They can also help clarify your medical bills and dispute billing errors.

    Contact Information: Website | (888) 696-7213

    State Unit on Aging

    Colorado’s State Unit on Aging oversees programs that are funded through the Older Americans Act. The unit operates 16 Area Agencies on Aging, each of which serves a designated region of the state. Through your local AAA, you can get in touch with a SHIP counselor who can help you sign up for Medicare or go over your benefits and cost-sharing obligations with you. The unit also provides civil legal services and operates Aging and Disability Resource Centers throughout the state.

    Contact Information: Website | (303) 866-5700

    Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) & Medicare Fraud

    The statewide SMP program assists you in recognizing, preventing, and reporting Medicare fraud, billing mistakes, and abuse. Through this program, counselors provide free, confidential advice regarding issues such as getting billed for services you didn’t receive, getting charged too much for services your doctor ordered or getting calls from someone trying to sell you a Medicare plan.

    Contact Information: Website | (800) 503-5190

    Colorado Legal Services

    Colorado Legal Services is a statewide program that provides free civil legal aid for older adults. Through this agency, you can get help applying for Medicare or addressing billing errors or canceled policies. The agency can also help you identify other public benefits you qualify for, including Social Security and Medicaid.

    Contact Information: Website | (303) 837-1313

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