subject: Medicare Advantage Health Plans For Seniors [print this page] If you are trying to figure out the best way to make use of valuable Medicare benefits, you need to learn about your options. These options include the original plan, supplements, drug coverage, and Medicare Advantage! Even though Medicare Advantage plans have been around for over a decade, a lot of people are still confused about how these new plans work,
Do you understand Medicare Advantage plans? These plans have provided a way for millions of Americans to reduce their health care and health plan costs. They have been around since the late 1990's. Yet many people are confused about them, and there is a lot of misinformation being spread around.
The government created these plans as a way for beneficiaries to get their health coverage from a private insurance company. This action was intended to give people more choices. In fact, the original name for these plans was Medicare Plus Choice. Some people also call them Part C plans.
So, you have a choice. You may choose to rely upon the original plan. You could also choose to buy a Medicare supplement. Medicare supplements actually work with original Medicare. As an alternative to this, you may decide to enroll in an Advantage plan. You should compare Medicare health plans, and your other choices, in order to make the right decision.
When you belong to an Advantage plan, you will get your coverage from the insurer. Instead of handing a doctor or hospital your Medicare card, you will show them your card from the private insurer. You do not lose your Medicare coverage though. You are free to drop out of the plan. You may decide to go back to original Medicare. You are also still protected by all of the laws, rules, and regulations of the Center For Medicaid and Medicare (CMS). CMS oversees Medicare in the US.
By law, these plans must provide a level of coverage that is equal to, or better than, the original plan. The coverage can, however, be provided in very different ways. Even though these newer plans help millions of people save money on premiums and out of pocket costs, they do not work out the best for every person. Each beneficiary has their own unique health needs and situation. You should examine the plan, and then make sure it works well for you.
Many MA plans have a network of medical service providers. With some plans, you have to get your medical services from a network medical service provider in order for those services to be covered. With some of the plans, you may choose to leave the network, but you may have to pay more for covered services. When you see that your own favorite doctors are already on the plan, you may be more satisfied with the network. If you would rather have more freedom to pick and choose doctors, you may not be happy with this type of restriction. This is actually quite similar to the way PPO or HMO plans work on regular health insurance policies.
Is an MA plan right for you? I do not have one perfect answer for every person. You must study the plans in your local area, consider how they work, and determine your own budget. This gives you the chance to select the best choice for you!
by:Marilyn Katz
Zaproxy alias impedit expedita quisquam pariatur exercitationem. Nemo rerum eveniet dolores rem quia dignissimos.
