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| Administration on Aging |
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The Older Americans Act of 1965 established the AoA, which is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its mission is to develop a comprehensive, coordinated and cost-effective system of long-term care that helps elderly individuals to maintain their dignity in their homes and communities.
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| advocate |
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A person who gives you support or protects your rights.
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| AEP or "Annual Election Period" |
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The annual period from November 15 until December 31 when a Medicare beneficiary can enroll into a Medicare Part D plan or re-enroll into their existing Medicare Part D Plan or change into another Medicare Part D plan. Beneficiaries can also switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan that also has a Prescription Drug plan (MA-PD). The chosen Medicare Part D plan coverage begins on January 1st. Related to this word are IEP, OEP, and SEP.
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| annual notice of change |
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This is a notice provided by the insurance company that explains which benefits have changed and how they have changed for the upcoming plan year. It is a notice required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
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| appeal |
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An appeal is a special kind of complaint you can make if the plan declines to cover prescription drugs you want or refuses to pay for drugs you've already received. You can also appeal if your plan decides to stop covering drugs you're currently receiving. There is a specific process you and your prescription drug plan must use when you appeal one of its decisions.
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| assets |
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Property you own that the government may review when you apply for assistance. For help with the costs of a Medicare prescription drug plan, the government counts cash or any property that can be turned into cash within 20 days. This includes checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, IRAs and 401(k) plans, stocks, bonds, and similar items. It does not include your primary home, or certain property related to burial expenses.
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| authorized representative |
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The person you designate to assist or handle affairs related to your health care services. This may be someone you designate as a Power of Attorney, a family member, friend, caregiver, or it may be an advocate you assign to assist with an exception, appeal or grievance.
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