Saturday, December 8, 2012

What is Medicare Advantage and Why Do I Need it?


All you need to know about Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage Plans are also known as Part C plans and constitute a section of Medicare Programs. Your health care that is covered by Medicare can be obtained when you opt for this plan. The coverage for prescription drugs which are a part of Part D plans may also be covered under this plan or you can register in a separate Part D plan to receive the prescription drugs coverage.

The inclusions of the Medicare Advantage Plan are:

HMO (Health Maintenance Organizations) PPO (Preferred Provider Organizations) PFFS Plans (Private Fee-for-Service Plans) SNP (Special Needs Plan) MSA (Medical Savings Account) Excluding the Special Needs Plan (which requires a health questionnaire), there are no questions about health asked for the other plans.

All people who are eligible for Medicare will be accepted. Regardless of any health ailments, excluding End Stage Renal disease, people can register for this each year when the enrollment period opens. People who have eligibility for Medicaid and Medicare can enroll for this plan anytime during the entire year. Every time you get medical treatment or visit a hospital or a doctor, there is co-pay involved. There is a cap on the annual put-of-pocket expenses from your end, but this does not always apply.

The Health insurance card you receive with your health care plan can be utilized when you join the Medicare Advantage Plan too. More often than not the benefits and co-payments options are much better when compared to your Original Medicare Plan. People who have opted for HMO or PPO plans should obtain the services of the doctor or the hospital that is listed under the net work provided if they want to avoid high out-of-pocket expenses. Under the Private Fee-for-Service Plans, you can get the services of any doctor or health care provider who accepts Medicare terms, conditions and assignments.

You must possess the Part A and Part B plan of Medicare if you want to enroll in the Medicare Advantage Plan. The Part B plan's monthly premium also should be paid to Medicare. Added to this, to  get the additional benefits offered by the Medicare Advantage Plan, you will also have to a pay a monthly premium towards it. Based on where you are located, you can also avail the facility of $0 monthly premium Medicare Advantage Plan and even get a part of your Part B premiums reimbursed. There are certain plans that are designed to cover dental and visual costs for inpatient services, doctor's tests, hospital fees, skilled nursing, outpatient fees and many others. There are health club memberships also that are included under certain plans.

The Medigap plan will cease to work if you enroll for the Medicare Advantage Plan. There will be no co-payments, cost sharing or deductibles that will be paid by your health plan. Though, as per law you have the right to hold on to your Medigap policy, you might want to consider dropping it when you opt for the Medicare Advantage Plan.

As always, to save on Medigap plans, compare Medicare quotes before enrolling in a specific plan.

Athletes at Risk   3 Reasons You Should Consider Supplemental Cancer Insurance   Medicare Supplement Insurance - How is it Priced?   New 2010 Modernized Medicare Supplement Plans   What to Watch Out for in Medicare Supplement Coverage   



0 comments:

Post a Comment


Twitter Facebook Flickr RSS



Français Deutsch Italiano Português
Español 日本語 한국의 中国简体。