By Forrest Schroeder-Einwiller

Even though a cut in Medicare payments is imminent and Highline Medical Group is encouraging their patients to switch Medicare plans, they won't be turning away patients.

"We're going to continue to see Medicare patients regardless of their coverage," Dr. Ron Singler, medical director of Highline Medical Group reported.

Singler added, "We're encouraging folks to go to a Medicare Advantage plan."

Highline Medical Group is expecting some Medicare changes for 2011. Officials say they are trying to clear up confusion about the changes among patients.

"Highline Medical Group and Highline Medical Center are trying to provide an island of safety for Medicare patients to be able to negotiate the changes in the health care sector over the next couple of years," said Singler.

Highline Medical Group sent a letter to its Medicare patients in early October, advising them of Medicare coverage changes, and trying to clarify upcoming Medicare changes and cuts.

"In 2011, traditional Medicare is projected to cut its reimbursement by 30 percent, which will make it extremely challenging to sustain our practice in the future," the letter stated. "Because of the uncertainty of Medicare reimbursement, we may not be able to continue to treat Medicare patients in 2011."

The letter goes on to encourage patients to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan to avoid service interruptions in the next could of years.

"Medicare Advantage plans, at least for now, are currently exempted from that 28 percent cut in Medicare payment," said Singler. "At least for the fiscal year 2011, the Medicare Advantage compensation to providers will be sustained. In 2012, the Medicare Advantage plans will have a cut, but not to the tune of 28 percent."

At this point, Congress hasn't acted to minimize the cuts, and the Washington State Medical Association has been trying to encourage doctors to get the word out to their patients to pressure Congress into action.

"It is critically important that we use these few remaining weeks to urge Congress to stop the impending cuts and fix the Medicare payment system once and for all," said Dr. Dean Martz, president of the WSMA in a letter to Washington doctors. Included in the letter, were cards for patients to take home to guide them through contacting their congressional representatives.

Highline Medical Group sees the pressure on Congress by patients as necessary to minimize the divide between government paid health programs and private insurance.

"Medicare pays around $37 per work unit now, Medicaid pays around $22 per work unit," Singler said. "Compare that to commercial policies like Regence or Premera, we get something like $53 to $55 per work unit. Commercial insurance is significantly higher than Medicare. What you can conclude from that is that commercial insurance somewhat underwrites Medicare and Medicaid, and yet Medicare is anticipating a cutoff 28 percent."

Highline Medical Group has about 7000 Medicare patients, and their hoping to educate those patients about Medicare changes, and their options.

"Highline Medical Services Organization in partnership with the plans are hosting informational seminars for senior," said Mara Burke, assistant administrator of strategic planning and communications at Highline Medical Center. "There are probably at least a dozen seminars that started in October. They're located at the hospital in clinic settings where patients can come and learn and actually talk with people who are very knowledgeable about the plan and the benefit levels. We're trying to provide enough information so they can make good decisions."

Medicare open enrollment begins Nov. 15 and ends Dec. 31. Highline Medical Group will continue holding informational sessions through the end of the year.

The next session is Nov. 22 at 3 p.m. in the Somers Auditorium at Highline Medical Center in Burien, 16251 Sylvester Road S.W.

For more information, or to find out about additional upcoming informational sessions at Highline Medical Center, you can contact Bonnie Jennings, marketing and provider relations specialist for the Highline Medical Services Organization at 206- 878-1985, extension 246.

Additional sessions are:

• Nov. 22 3- 5 p.m.
• Nov. 23 1-3 p.m.
• Nov. 24 10 a.m. - noon
• Nov. 30 10 a.m. - noon
• Dec. 1 10 a.m.- noon
• Dec. 2 2-4 p.m.
• Dec. 9 1- 3 p.m.
• Dec. 20 1- 3 p.m.
• Dec. 21 10 a.m.- noon
• Dec. 30 1- 3 p.m.