Medicare Advantage
What are Medicare Advantage plans?
Medicare Advantage plans are also known as Part C and provide various levels of coverage for beneficiaries. They are sold by insurance companies and not directly through Medicare.
Medicare Advantage plans provide combined Part A and Part B coverage. Through this option, Original Medicare will not be billed for your medical services.
The types of Medicare Advantage plans
There are different types of Medicare Advantage plans which bill differently and cover varying services. Health Maintenance Organization Plans typically require services to be rendered by their list of approved doctors. However, some exceptions can be made in emergencies.
Preferred Provider Organization plans also have a list of doctors who are approved. You will have a smaller bill if you choose to go to one of these doctors and will be billed more if you choose healthcare outside of the predetermined network. Private Fee-for-Service plans have predetermined amounts you’ll pay for each procedure or appointment. Special Needs Plans are reserved for qualifying individuals with certain health situations.
Drug coverage
Some Medicare Advantage Plans offer prescription drug coverage. You generally get all of your Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance), Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance), and Part D through these plans. Medicare Advantage Plans that offer prescription drug coverage are sometimes called “MA-PDs.”