In order to better understand what Medicare Part C is, it's important to first know about its predecessor: Medicare Part A and B. These two parts of the U.S. federal health insurance program for seniors and disabled people are funded by general tax revenues, not payroll taxes like other programs such as Social Security or Medicaid. They provide hospital coverage (Part A) and medical insurance coverage (Part B). You may be eligible for both parts of the plan if you're a U.S citizen who has paid into the system through your paycheck deductions over time or if you receive SSI benefits.
If you're not eligible for Parts A and B, then you may NOT qualify for Part C.
There are many different types of Medicare Advantage Plans. The most common include Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO) Private Fee-for Service plans, Special Needs Plans, which cover all the benefits in Original Medicare and may provide additional services for people who have Original Medicare and disabilities. The plans are different depending on the plan in your area.
An HMO plan, which stands for Health Maintenance Organization, is a type of Medicare Advantage Plan. This means that it covers all the benefits in Original Medicare and maybe additional services as well, but you must use providers on the HMOs list to receive coverage.
Private Fee-for Service plans, often referred to as PFFS or Private Fee-for-Service Plans, are another type of Medicare Advantage Plan. This means that it covers all the benefits in Original Medicare and maybe additional services. These plans may have different rules, and restrictions and the costs may vary.
A PPO plan, which stands for Preferred Provider Organization, is another type of Medicare Advantage Plan. This means that it covers all the benefits in Original Medicare and may provide additional services as well, but you can use any providers on or off their list to receive coverage.
A Special Needs plan, also known as a Medicare Select Plan or MSP , is another type of Medicare Advantage Plan. This means that it covers all the benefits in Original Medicare and maybe additional services as well, but you must use providers on the plans list to receive coverage. A part C plan can be customized for people with special needs.
There are many Medicare Advantage plans that are offered these days by private insurers. Which means that cost can vary based on many factors. Typically, the cost are Premiums, deductible, co-pays, coinsurance, and some plans are at no cost to you. Please give us a call and we will help you find the plan that best fits your budget and your needs.
You can sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan during the initial enrollment period, which begins three months before your 65 th birthday and lasts 3 months after your birthday. You can also sign up during Annual open enrollment, which is from October 15, through December 7. You can sign up during certain other times throughout the year know as Special enrollment Period if you have an event in life such as losing health insurance, develop a chronic special need, moving from your coverage areas.
