What Does Medicare Part C Cover?

Medicare Part C is the official term for what people usually call Medicare Advantage. Instead of using Medicare Parts A and B, also called “original Medicare,” you have the option to purchase a private health insurance plan. Medicare Advantage (Medicare part C) usually provides benefits that are similar to Parts A, B, and D (drug coverage). You will typically have an HMO or PPO, with an approved network of doctors, if you select a Medicare part C – Advantage plan.

What Medicare Advantage Plans Cover

Medicare Advantage (MA) plans provide the same services as original Medicare (Parts A and B). Most MA plans include coverage for prescription drugs, similar to Medicare Part D.

There are many different Medicare Advantage plans. Private health insurance companies offer MA plans. You do not buy MA from the government.

The terms of the coverage will depend on the individual MA plan. For example, some Medicare Advantage plans have a higher or lower annual deductible than original Medicare.

Terms of Medicare Advantage Plans

Original Medicare has a 20 percent copay, after you satisfy the annual deductible. Some MA plans charge a different amount of copay. Your copay might depend on the type of service you receive, like a primary care physician or a specialist. With some MA plans, you have to pay a set amount for each day you are an inpatient in the hospital. With other MA plans, you might have to pay a traditional copay, which is a portion of the total hospital bill.

Your MA HMO or PPO will have a list of approved service providers (doctors and hospitals). If you go to a doctor or hospital that is not in your plan’s network, you might have to pay a much higher portion of the bill. In some situations, the MA plan might not cover the expense at all.

What to Do When Your MA Plan Changes

Your Medicare Advantage plan can change every year, effective on January 1. You will get information about upcoming changes every September. Be sure to read the terms of your coverage every year during the open enrollment period to make sure you still have the coverage you want. You can switch your coverage during open enrollment for a plan that meets your budget and other needs.

Most people find that Medicare part C – Advantage plans are closer to the group health insurance coverage they had through their employer. You will select a primary care physician in your area. Depending on your plan, you might need a referral from your primary care doctor before you go to a specialist.

How to Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan

Here are the steps for getting coverage through Medicare Advantage:

• You enroll in Medicare Parts A and B in your service area.
• You pay your Medicare Part B premium while in a Medicare Advantage plan. (Most people do not have a Part A premium. Some MA plans have a $0 monthly premium.)
• Medicare pays a flat amount to your Medicare Advantage plan to provide your medical care. You receive all of your Part A and B healthcare through your Medicare Advantage plan.

All Medicare Advantage plans protect you with an out-of-pocket maximum. The maximum applies to Part A and Part B services. The carriers calculate Part D (drugs) out-of-pocket costs separate from the annual maximum.

Every state has different regulations. You might want to talk with an elder law attorney near you to find out how your state might vary from the general law of this article.

References:

Boomer Benefits. “What is Medicare Advantage?” (accessed October 24, 2019) https://boomerbenefits.com/medicare-advantage/what-is-medicare-advantage/