South Carolina Medicare Advantage plans, just like the Medicare Advantage program nationwide, are poised for some major changes in 2010 and beyond. Does this affect you and, if so, how? If you have a Medicare Advantage plan currently, should you keep the same plan, find a new MA plan or return to “original Medicare”?

The Advantage plan program is an alternative to “original Medicare”. With this program, Medicare beneficiaries enroll with a private company for the management and administration of their Medicare benefits. Since the program’s inception, it has been controversial in some circles, as the Federal Government pays the private companies a large amount of money per person, per year to manage each individual’s Medicare benefits through the private company.

In early 2009, the Obama administration, in conjunction with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), announced plans to overhaul the way these plans are handled. These changes will affect the companies that administer the private plans, as well as those enrolled in them. Some of the major changes include:

* As a large part of an announced $316 billion Medicare funding cut, funding to the private Medicare Advantage plans will be reduced. To go along with this, there will be a competitive bidding process for these private plan contracts.
* Annual out-of-pocket expenses will be required to be capped in 2010. The anticipated cap amount is $3,400.
* Plans with 10 or fewer enrollees in a certain area, or county, will be required to not offer plans in that area.
* CMS projects that 10 million Medicare Advantage customers will face monthly premium increases of $40-70 per person in 2010. To go along with the higher premiums, many of the South Carolina Medicare Advantage plans will also be reducing services/coverage to compensate for lower reimbursement rates from the Federal Government.
* Starting in 2011, the private MA plans are required to develop networks for their coverage. Currently, the private-fee-for-service (PFFS) plans are not required to have networks. This elimination of the PFFS plans as they are now is already having an impact for 2010. Coventry Health Care, Well Care Health Plans and Health Net all have announced the end to their PFFS plans as of 1/1/2010 – between these three companies, this affects 428,000 people nationwide.

Without a doubt, it is apparent that the marketplace for South Carolina Medicare Advantage plans is changing. Each individual must look past any pre-existing notions of the differences in “original Medicare” and the MA program and re-examine how these plans are going to work for them moving forward. While some may find it advantageous to stay with the government’s Medicare Advantage program, even after all of the changes; however, others may find more reasonable and comprehensive Medicare Insurance coverage elsewhere.

Visitors to Gaffney, South Carolina will find several opportunities to enjoy special holiday festivities this year. Beginning in early December and continuing through the month, any of these special activities will help usher in the holiday spirit. All of the scheduled events are family friendly and welcome guests.

The 10th annual Christmas on Limestone begins on December 3 at 5pm in historic downtown Gaffney. The campus and surrounding neighborhoods will be magically lit by over 10,000 luminaries. Other activities on campus include a holiday reception, a visit from Santa, and the lighting of the Limestone College Christmas tree on the front lawn. A “Sounds of the Season” holiday concert will be presented by the Limestone College Music Department. The concert is a montage of choral music performed by community choral groups and the Limestone College Children’s Chorus. Festivities will take place over several blocks of the downtown area as well. Activities will include horse and carriage rides, live music and caroling, the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree, a live nativity, and free ornament making at the Gaffney Visitor’s Center.

The Gaffney Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 11. The parade begins at 10am in Thompson Park and proceeds along Limestone Street in downtown Gaffney. Participating in the parade will be ROTC units, local and regional bands, decorated floats, and Santa. After the parade ends, visitors may wish to visit the Festival of Trees at Gaffney City Hall, or do some Christmas shopping in one of downtown Gaffney’s specialty stores.

Visitors to the area should also plan to spend some time shopping for holiday gifts at the Gaffney Premium Outlets. The 75 outlet stores at the mall include such favorites as Brooks Brothers, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Gap, Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach, and Pottery Barn. The outlets will be open extended holiday hours following Thanksgiving, and many of the stores will offer sales and special holiday promotions.

Whether in town for the weekend or just passing through, visitors are welcome to join Gaffney residents for the festivities. Gaffney’s small town charm and friendly atmosphere are sure to put visitors in the holiday mood. No matter your preference in size and pace, staying active is the key to a successful and enjoyable retirement. Good luck in your search to find your Best Places to Live in South Carolina!