Medicare Terms – N

Network

This is a group of health care providers. It includes doctors, dentists, and hospitals. A health care provider in a network signs a contract with a health plan to provide services. Usually, a network provider provides these services at a special rate. With some health plans, you get more coverage when you get care from network providers.

Network Pharmacy

This is a pharmacy that has a contract with our plan. In most cases, we only cover your prescriptions if you fill them at a network pharmacy.

Network Provider

This is a provider that has an agreement with our plan. The plan pays a network provider based on the agreement. We also call network providers plan providers.

Newly Eligible

Newly eligible for Medicare occurs when you turn 65. You may also be eligible due to a disability or end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Notice of Creditable Coverage

What is it?

You’ll get this notice each year if you have drug coverage from an employer/union or other group health plan. This notice will let you know whether or not your drug coverage is “creditable.”  

When should I get it?

September

Who sends it?

Employer/union plans

What should I do if I get this notice?

Keep the notice. You may need it if you decide to join a Medicare drug plan later. (Don’t send creditable coverage letters/certificates to Medicare.)