What is part C?
Medicare Part C is also referred to as "Medicare Advantage." Medicare Part C is offered only by private companies with a Medicare contract. If you join the Medicare Advantage plan, the plan will include Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance).
What is the cost of part C?
Today, many Medicare Advantage Plans are eliminating their monthly premiums. In addition to removing premiums, out-of-pocket expenses for these plans are usually lower than out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare (4) , There are different costs associated with various Medicare Advantage plans, so it is important to conduct a study. Your personal Medicare Part C costs depend on (1) :
- If the plan provides a monthly premium.
- If the plan pays any of your monthly Part B bonuses.
- If the plan has an annual deductible or any additional deductions.
- Fee for each visit or service (co-payments or co-insurance).
- The type of medical services you need and how often you get them.
- If you follow the rules of the plan, for example, with the help of network providers.
- If you need additional benefits, and if any costs are associated with these benefits.
- Annual plan limit on personal expenses for all your medical services.
If the Plan pays any Part B Premium, also known as Part B Premium Reduction:
- Medicare Part B premium is covered for full members eligible to participate
- Premiums, co-payments, co-insurance and deductibles may vary depending on the level of assistance received for SNP double members.
What covers part C?
Remember that everything described in Part A and Part B is covered by Medicare Advantage. If you are covered by Medicare Advantage, you get coverage for all medical services, including emergency and urgent care. Private companies that offer Medicare Part C usually have a network of doctors, and this may mean that you will need to see your plan's doctors to get help. When deciding on Medicare Part C, you should ask if the doctors near your home are included in their network.
With the exception of inpatient care, Medicare Advantage plans should cover all the services that Original Medicare covers. Original Medicare covers hospital coverage, even if you are registered with Medicare Part C. Medicare Advantage plans are not additional coverage.
When can you sign up for Medicare Advantage?
Each year there is a certain time when you can enroll in the Medicare Advantage Plan, which is called the Annual Election Period. Get a daily planner and google calendar; The annual election period of 2012 is scheduled for October 15 - December 7, 2011. Except for those beneficiaries who are eligible for the initial registration period or a special registration period, this is the time period that applies to you. The time frame for the Annual Election Period may vary from year to year, so be sure to check for updates!
