Does A Medicare Advantage Plan Replace Medicare

Having Medicaid Or A Medicare Savings Program

Medicare covers many services, but it doesnt cover long-term care benefits and can leave its enrollees with large cost-sharing expenses. Medicaid pays for some services that Medicare doesnt cover for enrollees whose incomes and assets make them eligible. If you have Medicaid or a Medicare Savings Program a program where Medicaid pays for Medicare premiums and cost-sharing then your enrollment options are different than if you only had Medicare.

Some Medicare Advantage plans specialize in covering low-income Medicare beneficiaries. These are known as Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans , and are available in every state. If you have Medicare and Medicaid, you should have few out-of-pocket expenses if you see providers enrolled in both programs regardless of whether you enroll in a D-SNP. Receiving coverage through a D-SNP requires you to see only providers who participate with the D-SNP insurer.

Some D-SNPs offer additional services, such as home care, dental or vision benefits. D-SNPs can also help coordinate all of the health services you receive. But low-income Medicare beneficiaries are better off with Original Medicare paired with regular Medicaid as secondary coverage if their providers accept those programs, but not D-SNP plans. In many states, the fee-for-service Medicaid benefit also covers dental or vision care.

Here is more information about programs available to Medicare beneficiaries with limited incomes and assets.

Pros Of Medicare Advantage Plans

With Medicare Advantage plans, you can get personalized, coordinated medical care at a lower cost, depending on your plan. There are many advantages of enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan. You can get:

• All of your coverage bundled together in 1 convenient plan.
• Costs that may be lower than Original Medicare.
• Extra benefits such as coverage for vision, hearing, dental, wellness programs, and discounts on health-related items.
• Prescription drug coverage .
• All the rights and protections offered through the Medicare program.
• Help paying for premiums , if you qualify.
• All the benefits of Medicare Part A and Part B plans, without buying supplemental insurance.

What About Urgent Care

Urgent care centers are common for sudden illnesses and conditions that are serious, but not life-threatening. As far as Medicare is concerned, urgent care centers involve outpatient care, so they will be covered by Part B. This means that all of the same conditions will apply as they would for outpatient care in an emergency room: you will have a copayment, pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount, and your deductible will apply.

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Drug Coverage In Medicare Advantage Plans

Most Medicare Advantage Plans include prescription drug coverage . You can join a separate Medicare Prescription Drug Plan with certain types of plans that:

• Cant offer drug coverage
• Choose not to offer drug coverage

Youll be disenrolled from your Medicare Advantage Plan and returned to Original Medicare if both of these apply:

• Youre in a Medicare Advantage HMO or PPO.
• You join a separate Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

Whats The Difference Between Medicare And Medicaid

Medicare is a federal government health insurance program for qualified people 65 years old and above, or those who qualify by disability. Medicaid is a government program paid for by both state and federal government funds. Eligible people with disabilities or low incomes may get health coverage through Medicaid.

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Why Medicare Replacement Plans Were Created

The Medicare Advantage program was created in the late 1990sto give beneficiaries another option besides Original Medicare and a Medigapplan. Some people cannot afford Medigap plan premiums so these MedicareAdvantage replacement plans give them an alternative a way to get theirbenefits from a private plan instead of Medicare.

Now, you must still be enrolled in both Medicare Parts A andB when you join an Advantage plan. However, the monthly premiums that you payfor a Medicare Advantage plan are often lower than what you would pay for aMedigap plan.

Advantage plans can offer you lower premiums because they will provide a network of healthcare providers for you. They can negotiate contracted rates with these providers which gives the insurance company better control over its costs.

In an HMO-style plan, you usually must choose a primary careprovider and often need to get referrals to see specialists. You cant treatoutside of plans network at all except in cases of emergencies. In PPO-styleplans, you can treat with providers who are not in the plans network but youwill pay higher costs to do so. You must also confirm the out-of-networkprovider is

What Is Your Out

While Medicare covers much of the cost for approved hip or knee replacement, you will still have to pay deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.

The amount you owe will depend on the type of Medicare coverage you have.

Your Medicare Out-of-Pocket Costs for Knee or Hip Replacement Surgery

Medicare Part A

You are responsible for paying your Medicare Part A deductible $1,556 for each benefit period in 2022. The benefit period begins the day you are admitted to a hospital and ends after you have not been readmitted for 60 days in a row.

Medicare Part B

You will still have to pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved cost of the medical device and other medical services. Your Medicare Part B deductible $233 in 2022 also applies.

Medicare Advantage Plans

The amount varies from plan to plan. You should contact your Medicare Advantage plan administrator to find out how much you will have to pay.

Medicare Part D

Your out-of-pocket costs will vary from plan to plan. You should check with your plan administrator to find out your share of the costs. You should also ask your doctor about alternative drugs on your Medicare Part D formulary that may cost you less.

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Choosing Between Medicare Advantage And Medigap

Heres a kicker for anyone considering signing up for a Medicare replacement or Medicare Supplement plan: You are not allowed to have both at the same time. You may only choose one or the other.

Two of the biggest things to consider when choosing between these types of coverage is how you plan to pay for the things not covered by Original Medicare and how you like to utilize your care.

Because Original Medicare does not provide coverage for prescription drugs, dental, vision or hearing aids, beneficiaries must determine how they will pay for such care. You can get coverage for all of those things bundled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Or you can piece them out and get drug coverage from a Medicare Part D plan and get your vision and dental coverage from standalone plans and rely on discounts for hearing aids if necessary.

Then you must ask yourself how you like to use health care. Most Medicare Advantage plans will generally restrict your care to a network of participating health care providers. Should you snowbird in another state or travel frequently, you may be out of your coverage range when you need it most. Medigap plans are accepted anywhere Original Medicare is accepted, so that coverage goes with you wherever you go within the U.S. and U.S. territories.

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Medicare Coverage For Parts A And B

At present, Original Medicare Parts A and B pay for certain costs of knee replacement surgery provided the procedure is deemed medically necessary by the doctor. Part A would cover the expense of the hospital stay while Part B would cover out-patient and recovery services mandated by the physician.

Patients would have to pay Part B deductible and 20% of the co-insurance fees.

Medicare Part C would provide the same coverage as Medicare Part A and B and additional coverage for certain services. If you anticipate knee replacement surgery in the future, can explore Part C plans for better coverage.

Antibiotics, anticoagulants, and painkillers prescribed by the doctor following knee surgery would be covered by Medicare Part Ds prescription drug program or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug policy.

Patients should check the costs of the procedure and the extensive aftercare that involves pain medications and physical therapy.

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Does Medicare Cover The Shingles Vaccine

Many people who are considering getting the shingles vaccine wonder whether Medicare will cover it. You probably already know that Medicare covers many vaccines like those for the flu or pneumonia. Those vaccines are covered under Medicare Part B, with no copay required in most cases. So, does Medicare cover the shingles shot as well? Keep reading as we give you all the details that you need to know about Medicare and the shingles vaccine. Well tell you which part of Medicare may cover the vaccine and how you can get signed up for coverage.

Will Medicare Pay For A Total Knee Replacement

• Asked July 24, 2013 in

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Medicare Advantage Vs Original Medicare

Medicare Advantage plans may have provider networks that limit your choices. If you go outside the network, your care may not be covered or may cost significantly more than if you stay in-network. With Original Medicare, you generally can use any doctor or medical facility that accepts Medicare assignment.

In exchange for less freedom, though, you often pay less. You would still be required to pay a monthly premium for Part B, but the additional cost for a Medicare Advantage plan may be less than for a Medigap plan. Sometimes the Medicare Advantage plan may have a $0 premium.

Medicare Advantage plans may also have a maximum out-of-pocket limit for covered care. That caps the amount youll be expected to pay in addition to your premiums. In 2021, that cap is $7,550.

Cons Of Medicare Advantage Plans

The following are some disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans:

• If you select an HMO Medicare Advantage plan, you may have a small selection of providers to choose from. If you see a provider out-of-network, it can cost you more. However, other plan options will offer a wider provider network.
• With certain plans, you may see additional costs for things like drug deductibles and specialist visit copays.
• If you travel a lot, your plan may not cover services outside your service area.

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What Are The Benefits To Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage covers more than Medicare , allowing patients more options and flexibility. Patients can customize their Medicare Advantage to cover specific needs like wheelchair ramps, adult day care, and respite care. Additionally, the 2020 CARES Act expanded Medicare’s network to cover more telehealth services.

Other Steps To Prepare For Knee Surgery

Knee surgery can have a long recovery period, so here are some other helpful steps to prepare for your knee replacement.

1. Improve your health. Stop smoking if you currently do, eat healthy, and if youre overweight, consider working with your doctor and a nutritionist to shed a few pounds before surgery.

2. Take the time to find the right surgeon. Who does your surgery and where can impact your procedures outcome, your recovery time and your total costs. Research and choose your surgeon carefully.

3. Make a recovery plan. Plan ahead for your recovery routine exercise, physical therapy, home assistance, adaptions to getting around at home or outside once you know what kind of procedure you are getting. And take it slow. Its better to have a healthy, long recovery instead of accidently causing damage by trying to fast-forward things back to pre-surgery normal.

Usually with knee surgery you have time to consider your options and prepare yourself mentally, physically and financially for the procedure. Think of it this way: How much effort do you put in when you are buying a TV or computer or car? Shouldnt you be doing at least as much for something as important as surgery? Talk with your Medicare plan provider and plan your knee surgery carefully.

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Medicare Advantage As Secondary Payer: A Quick Medicare Part C Overview

The Medicare Advantage program is also called Medicare Part C. As you may already know, Medicare Advantage plans contract with Medicare to administer your Original Medicare benefits. Medicare Advantage plans are available from private insurance companies.

Some Medicare Advantage plans offer benefits beyond Part A and Part B. Routine dental, hearing, or vision services are just a few examples. Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage.

When you have a Medicare Advantage plan, youre still in the Medicare program, you still need to keep paying your Medicare Part B premium. Of course, youll also have to pay the Medicare Advantage plan premium, if it charges one.

How Medicare Advantage Plans Work

Medicare Advantage plans also known as Medicare Part C are required to provide the same benefits as Medicare Part A, which covers hospitalization, and Medicare Part B, which covers doctors visits. Medicare Advantage plans also typically include Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage and may include benefits not covered by Medicare, providing some savings on routine dental care, eye exams and glasses, and hearing aids.

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Improve Medicare For All Beneficiaries

Medicare is extremely popular, but it needs attention to ensure all beneficiaries receive comprehensive coverage and equitable treatment. The Medicare program that Americans know and cherish has been allowed to wither. Traditional Medicare, preferred by most beneficiaries, has not been improved in years, yet private Medicare Advantage plans have been repeatedly bolstered. Its time to build a better Medicare for all those who rely on it now, and will in the future.

Is It Better To Have Medicare Advantage Or Medicare Supplement

Whether you choose to apply for a Medicare Advantage plan vs. a Medicare Supplement insurance plan depends on your needs. Here are a few factors to consider when deciding whether Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement is better for you:

• Do you prefer to have all your coverage rolled into one plan? If so, a Medicare Advantage Plan may be the way to go. Many include Part D drug coverage, as well as vision, dental, and hearing, depending on the plan.
• Do you want financial protection from unexpected out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance? If yes, Medicare Supplement plans work with Original Medicare and can help cover some of the remaining out-of-pocket expenses that Original Medicare doesnt cover.
• Do you need a plan that provides coverage for disabilities or long term care facilities? If so, Medicare Advantage offers Special Needs Plans that provide this type of coverage.
• Do you want the freedom to see any doctors you choose? If so, Medicare Supplement plans have no required network and you can see any doctor that accepts Medicare, even if youre away from home or traveling. Some Medicare Advantage plans may also allow you to see doctors and hospitals that are not in the plans network, giving you additional freedom to choose your doctors.

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Coverage Choices For Medicare

If you’re older than 65 and not already getting benefits from Social Security, you have to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B. It doesn’t happen automatically. However, if you already get Social Security benefits, you’ll get Medicare Part A and Part B automatically when you first become eligible .

There are two main ways to get Medicare coverage:

Different Types Of Medicare Advantage Plans

These are the various types of Medicare Advantage plans available today:

1. HMOs : Get your care and services from providers in the plans network.

2. PPOs : Pay less if you use the hospitals, doctors and other health care providers in the plans network.

3. PFFS : Obtain your health care from providers or hospitals in PFFS plans.

4. SNPs : Get health services from doctors or hospitals in the Medicare SNP network.

5. MSAs : High-deductible insurance plans combined with a medical savings account you can use to pay for your health care costs.

Recommended Reading: How To Qualify For Medicare Part B

Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cover Hip Replacements

Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover all services that Original Medicare covers. So if you are a Medicare Advantage plan member, you can receive coverage for a hip replacement surgery. Check with your plan to determine your out-of-pocket costs, as they vary from plan to plan.Medicare.gov, How do Medicare Advantage Plans work?, Accessed December 29, 2021

Out-of-pocket cost variation can be especially high when it comes to services that require a hospital stay, such as certain hip replacement surgeries. If you would like to know more about Medicare Advantage and how often out-of-pocket costs exceed Original Medicare for hospital stays, you can read our article on the topic here.