HI, MRS. SUN SPOTS: Can you find out for me what insurance companies are included in Maine’s insurance exchange? The actual insurance exchange website did not reveal this information and was pretty vague about a lot of things. I think many others would also like to know which companies we are dealing with, such as Anthem, etc. Many thanks. — Carol, virusone@earthlink.net

ANSWER: For help on this question Sun Spots turned to reporter Lindsay Tice, who put together the Sun Journal’s coverage on the Affordable Care Act. (You can read the series online at sunjournal.com/aca101/. In addition to the stories, it includes FAQs, a glossary, the timeline and where to get assistance.)

Lindsay verified the fact that there are two: “Anthem and Maine Community Health Options. Anthem is the biggest health insurer in the state. MCHO is new, based in Lewiston and is a co-op (run by members for members, kind of like a credit union).

“Anthem’s plans for this area are based around a narrow network of doctors and hospitals, meaning you can’t just go to any doctor or hospital you want and expect insurance to pay for it (unless it’s an emergency). MCHO’s plans are full network, but the company’s newness could be a deterrent for some people.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I just found out Humana will not be offering Medicare Advantage in Androscoggin County for 2014. My husband and I received letters stating that nothing would change and our cards would come in early December.

I am concerned that people will get letters and assume that is correct, but it is not. No coverage for Medicare Advantage in our area from Humana. I found out by calling, and they told me only drug coverage in our area.

I am hoping you can get this in the newspaper for people to see. I have already talked to people I know who are in their late 80s and assumed they were all set. Thank you for all you do for the people in this area. — No Name via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots is not qualified to speak to the details of individual Medicare plans. She did go to the Humana website, which said they offer two plans for ZIP code 04240: One is a gold plan with medical care, while the Walmart preferred Rx plan offers only prescription coverage.

Since it is open enrollment for Medicare Part D (from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7), many companies can and do change their plans, which may explain the confusion. Sun Spots recommends that everyone review their coverage each year to make sure it still suits their needs.

For anyone who needs help figuring out which plan has the best deal for you, SeniorsPlus’ trained specialists can help you figure out which Part D plan works best for you.

Appointments can be made by calling SeniorsPlus at 207-795-4010 or 1-800-427-1241. This year, in addition to having appointments in Lewiston, SeniorsPlus also plans on having appointments in Norway, Farmington and Wilton.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am in great need of a full- or queen-sized bed. My husband is ill, and I can’t take care of him alone. His brother has been willing to come and live with us, but he is sleeping on a chair. I would be so grateful if someone could sell me a clean bed with a frame. I can’t pay much, but I will do my best. Thanks. — anne_boisvert@yahoo.com

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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