Medicare Advantage

Private health plans are entities that contract with Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… to provide services to enrollees. The term includes managed care plans and other models, such as private fee-for-service plans. Private health plans have been available in Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… almost since the program began. When Congress first authorized private plans in Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… , its intent was to contain the growth in spending and improve the payment method for certain providers. It also sought to provide beneficiaries, including those residing in rural areas, with more choices and enhanced benefits. These objectives remain relevant. Medicare Advantage Medicare beneficiaries can get their Medicare benefits through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan. If beneficiaries have Original Medicare, the government pays for Medicare benefits when they get them. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are… ( MA Medicare beneficiaries can get their Medicare benefits through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan. If beneficiaries have Original Medicare, the government pays for Medicare benefits when they get them. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are… ), also known as Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… Part C, is Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… ’s private plan program and is an alternative to traditional Fee-for-Service (original) Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… . MA Medicare beneficiaries can get their Medicare benefits through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan. If beneficiaries have Original Medicare, the government pays for Medicare benefits when they get them. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are… plans must cover all Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… benefits (except hospice) and may also provide additional benefits. Most MA Medicare beneficiaries can get their Medicare benefits through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan. If beneficiaries have Original Medicare, the government pays for Medicare benefits when they get them. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are… plans offer Part D drug coverage as well.

In order to be eligible for an MA Medicare beneficiaries can get their Medicare benefits through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan. If beneficiaries have Original Medicare, the government pays for Medicare benefits when they get them. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are… plan, a Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… beneficiary must be eligible for Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… Parts A and B. All MA Medicare beneficiaries can get their Medicare benefits through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan. If beneficiaries have Original Medicare, the government pays for Medicare benefits when they get them. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are… plans are required to establish enrollee out-of-pocket spending limits that do not exceed annual maximums established by CMS. Maximums vary by plan type, and CMS sets a voluntary and a mandatory cap with the former being lower. CMS permits MA Medicare beneficiaries can get their Medicare benefits through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan. If beneficiaries have Original Medicare, the government pays for Medicare benefits when they get them. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are… plans greater flexibility in establishing cost-sharing for Parts A and B services if they use the lower, voluntary limit. For 2018, a typical voluntary annual limit can be no higher than $3,400, while the mandatory maximum may not exceed $6,700 for in-network services.

MA Medicare beneficiaries can get their Medicare benefits through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan. If beneficiaries have Original Medicare, the government pays for Medicare benefits when they get them. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are… has several plan types: health maintenance organizations (HMOs); provider-sponsored organizations (PSOs), preferred-provider organizations (PPOs), regional PPO plans, special-needs plans (SNPs), private fee-for-service (PFFS) plans, and medical savings accounts A federally authorized health insurance plan consisting of both a savings account and a high-deductible health insurance policy. MSA plans are available in the private insurance market and are included among the Medicare Advantage options. ( MSAs A federally authorized health insurance plan consisting of both a savings account and a high-deductible health insurance policy. MSA plans are available in the private insurance market and are included among the Medicare Advantage options. ). Most, but not all, rely on a specific network of covered or preferred providers rather than covering all Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… participating providers.

Health maintenance organizations (HMOs)—an HMO may also offer a point-of-service option that allows an enrollee to obtain services out of network for higher out-of-pocket costs. MA Medicare beneficiaries can get their Medicare benefits through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan. If beneficiaries have Original Medicare, the government pays for Medicare benefits when they get them. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are… HMOs may include different models of HMOs including staff model, group model, or network model HMOs.

Provider-sponsored organizations (PSOs)—similar to HMOs, PSOs are organized and operated by physicians and hospitals. They provide most services within their organized network.

Preferred-provider organizations (PPOs)—PPOs are networks of physicians and hospitals that have agreed to discount their rates for plan members. Enrollees may obtain services from non-network health professionals but must pay higher out-of-pocket costs if they do.

Regional PPO plans—similar to local PPOs, regional PPOs cover a larger service area. They feature a single deductible for Part A and Part B services and an out-of-pocket limit for in-network care and expenditures for benefits that are also offered by traditional MedicareTraditional Medicare, also known as Original or Fee-For-Service Medicare, works on a fee-for-service basis. This means that you can go to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, anywhere in the United States, and Medicare will pay its share of the bill for any Medicare-covered service it… .

Special-needs plans (SNPs)—SNPs focus on the needs of individuals who are institutionalized, are dually eligible for Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… and Medicaid, or have severe or disabling chronic conditions. Most SNPs are HMOs.

Private fee-for-service (PFFS) plans—PFFS plans are risk-based plans that closely resemble traditional MedicareTraditional Medicare, also known as Original or Fee-For-Service Medicare, works on a fee-for-service basis. This means that you can go to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, anywhere in the United States, and Medicare will pay its share of the bill for any Medicare-covered service it… but are operated by private insurance companies. They permit enrollees to go to any Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… -approved doctor or hospital willing to accept the plan’s payment. Unlike other MA Medicare beneficiaries can get their Medicare benefits through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan. If beneficiaries have Original Medicare, the government pays for Medicare benefits when they get them. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are… options, physicians in PFFS plans may balance-bill 15 percent above the plan’s fee schedule. This and other PFFS plan features have the potential to cause confusion for Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… beneficiaries and make it difficult for them to distinguish this option from traditional MedicareTraditional Medicare, also known as Original or Fee-For-Service Medicare, works on a fee-for-service basis. This means that you can go to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, anywhere in the United States, and Medicare will pay its share of the bill for any Medicare-covered service it… .

Medical savings accounts A federally authorized health insurance plan consisting of both a savings account and a high-deductible health insurance policy. MSA plans are available in the private insurance market and are included among the Medicare Advantage options. ( MSAs A federally authorized health insurance plan consisting of both a savings account and a high-deductible health insurance policy. MSA plans are available in the private insurance market and are included among the Medicare Advantage options. )— MSAs A federally authorized health insurance plan consisting of both a savings account and a high-deductible health insurance policy. MSA plans are available in the private insurance market and are included among the Medicare Advantage options. have two components. The first is an MA Medicare beneficiaries can get their Medicare benefits through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan. If beneficiaries have Original Medicare, the government pays for Medicare benefits when they get them. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are… plan with a high yearly deductible (which varies by plan) with premiums paid by Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… ; the plan pays for covered benefits once the deductible has been met. The second is a tax-free savings account to which both Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… and beneficiaries contribute. It may be used to cover deductibles and coinsurance A form of health care cost sharing in which a percentage of covered expenses must be paid by the insured person.  Different from a copayment (copay) which is usually a flat dollar amount.  charges or to pay for health services that Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… does not cover. Beneficiaries who choose the MSA option may not have Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… Supplement Insurance (Medigap).

Private health plans in Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… pose both opportunities and risks for the program and its beneficiaries. The wide array of private health plan options gives beneficiaries greater opportunity to find plans that meet their needs and preferences. But giving beneficiaries more choices makes the task of selecting coverage more complicated and may be so confusing for some that it leads to poor decisions.

This concern is supported by behavioral economics research findings that indicate greater choice does not necessarily lead to better decisions. Although consumers value choice, it is necessary to balance the desirability of a wide range of complex choices with the cognitive burden of having to select from among too many. Experts advise that one strategy for improving consumer decision-making is to reduce cognitive burden by limiting the number of choices and by creating accessible and easy-to-interpret materials that allow clear comparisons of various choices.

Another problem is that many beneficiaries may not be aware of certain risks associated with MA Medicare beneficiaries can get their Medicare benefits through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan. If beneficiaries have Original Medicare, the government pays for Medicare benefits when they get them. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are… plans, including that plans may terminate their relationship with Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… in any given year; change the premiums, cost-sharing charges, or benefits from year to year (including drug coverage); and drop physicians from their networks during the year. Beneficiaries may also not be aware that if they want to voluntarily leave an MA Medicare beneficiaries can get their Medicare benefits through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan. If beneficiaries have Original Medicare, the government pays for Medicare benefits when they get them. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are… plan and return to traditional fee-for-service Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… , they may be subject to medical underwriting for a Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… supplement (Medigap) policy. This underwriting may result in their being refused a policy or being required to pay higher rates.

Additionally, by having multiple coverage options and two pathways to coverage ( MA Medicare beneficiaries can get their Medicare benefits through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan. If beneficiaries have Original Medicare, the government pays for Medicare benefits when they get them. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are… and Traditional), the Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… risk pool is segmented. There is some evidence that the healthiest beneficiaries are more likely to enroll in an MA Medicare beneficiaries can get their Medicare benefits through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan. If beneficiaries have Original Medicare, the government pays for Medicare benefits when they get them. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are… option, leaving the sicker, more expensive beneficiaries in the traditional MedicareTraditional Medicare, also known as Original or Fee-For-Service Medicare, works on a fee-for-service basis. This means that you can go to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, anywhere in the United States, and Medicare will pay its share of the bill for any Medicare-covered service it… program resulting in higher premiums. Among the MA Medicare beneficiaries can get their Medicare benefits through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan. If beneficiaries have Original Medicare, the government pays for Medicare benefits when they get them. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are… plan options, PFFS and MSA plans are likely to attract the healthiest beneficiaries of all.

The tendency of healthy beneficiaries to join MA Medicare beneficiaries can get their Medicare benefits through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan. If beneficiaries have Original Medicare, the government pays for Medicare benefits when they get them. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are… plans underscores the importance of risk-adjusting Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… payments to these plans. An accurate risk-adjustment mechanism can help to mitigate the effects of risk segmentation by increasing payments to health plans for high-cost or high-risk enrollees and reducing payments to plans with healthier enrollees. Without these corrections, Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… will overpay providers with a larger proportion of healthier beneficiaries and underpay those with a larger proportion of sicker beneficiaries.

MA Medicare beneficiaries can get their Medicare benefits through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan. If beneficiaries have Original Medicare, the government pays for Medicare benefits when they get them. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are… plans are an important alternative for many Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… beneficiaries, especially those with low income. Data from the 2015 Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… Current Beneficiary Survey indicate that:

• 38 percent of African American beneficiaries and 48 percent of Hispanic beneficiaries were in MA Medicare beneficiaries can get their Medicare benefits through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan. If beneficiaries have Original Medicare, the government pays for Medicare benefits when they get them. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are… plans, and
• 53 percent of beneficiaries in MA Medicare beneficiaries can get their Medicare benefits through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan. If beneficiaries have Original Medicare, the government pays for Medicare benefits when they get them. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are… plans had incomes of $30,000 or less (compared with 46 percent of all Medicare Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part… beneficiaries).