If you are not satisfied with your medicare advantage plan can you return to your original medigap plan at the next enrollment or do you have to start all over again?

Can a patient have medicare and medicare advantage?

No, a patient cannot have both Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan simultaneously. Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative to Original Medicare, and when a patient enrolls in a Medicare Advantage plan, they effectively replace their Original Medicare coverage with that plan. However, patients may have supplemental plans, such as Medigap, alongside Original Medicare, but not with a Medicare Advantage plan.

Do all Medicare advantage plans offer the exact same coverage as original Medicare?

no

What year did Medicare advantage plans start?

Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, were established by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and officially began in 1999. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and provide an alternative way for beneficiaries to receive their Medicare benefits. Medicare Advantage plans typically include additional coverage beyond original Medicare, such as prescription drug coverage and dental services.

Does Medicare cover cataract surgery?

every Medicare advantage plan is different, but they must cover what original Medicare would cover. Cataract surgery with an intraocular implant is very common and Medicare covers it regularly.

Will you lose your Medicare and supplemental insurance if you do not enroll in the Medicare Advantage plan?

No, you will not lose your Medicare and supplemental insurance if you do not enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. You can choose to stay with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and maintain your supplemental insurance (Medigap). However, if you opt for a Medicare Advantage plan, you generally cannot have both at the same time. It's important to review your options and coverage to ensure you make the best choice for your healthcare needs.

How would doctor know if you have Medicare or Medicare Advantage?

If you have Original Medicare only, then you would provide your doctor with a copy of your Original Medicare card so that he/she has the correct information to bill Medicare. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage with a private insurance company, they will issue you an ID card indicating the name of your plan and your ID number. You would no longer show your Original Medicare card to your doctor, but instead show him your Medicare Advantage ID Card. Medicare would have assigned the right to administer your benefits over to the private company and they would no longer process claims they might receive from your doctor. Your new ID card will provide information on where to bill for services rendered. Keep in mind that most Medicare Advantage Plans require you to use network doctors so you should make sure your doctor is within the network your looking to join before you enroll. Otherwise you would most likely be responsible for the entire bill.

Is BCBS-AR AR BENEFITS - HEALTH ADVANTAGE medicare?

BCBS-AR (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arkansas) offers various health insurance plans, including Medicare Advantage plans under the Health Advantage brand. Medicare Advantage is a type of Medicare plan that provides additional benefits beyond Original Medicare. If you are looking for specific coverage details or eligibility, it's best to check directly with BCBS-AR or consult their official website.

Can you see a doctor without a referal if you have Medicare?

Yes, you can see a doctor without a referral if you have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Original Medicare allows you to see any doctor or provider who accepts Medicare assignment, without needing a referral. However, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), the rules may vary depending on the plan, and you may need to follow the plan's guidelines for seeing specialists.

Is Aetna Medicare primary over Medicare?

The answer depends on what type of Aetna Medicare Plan you have. If you have an Aetna Medicare Supplemental Plan, then Original Medicare pays first and the Aetna plan pays secondary If you have an Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO Plan, then the Aetna plan will always be primary as Medicare has assigned the benefits over to Aetna for processing and administration.

What does C1 mean behind your medicare number?

The "C1" designation behind your Medicare number indicates that you are enrolled in Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage. This program combines the benefits of Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and often includes additional coverage options such as vision, dental, or prescription drug coverage. The "C1" typically signifies a specific plan or type of coverage within the Medicare Advantage framework.

If one has a Medicare Advantage plan with New York Medicaid just added, how can the provider collect on the Medicaid portion when it is tied to an inactive Medicare Adv plan, not the current one?

When dealing with a Medicare Advantage (Medicare Adv) plan that has New York Medicaid recently added, and the Medicaid portion is linked to an inactive Medicare Adv plan, there are several steps to consider: Dual-eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs): These are Medicare Advantage Plans specifically designed for individuals enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid. D-SNPs typically require using in-network providers for Medicare services, and these providers should also accept Medicaid. Cost-sharing varies among plans, and some may offer zero cost-sharing for enrollees. D-SNP enrolment is voluntary, and it’s essential to verify that Medicaid covers Medicare cost-sharing, such as deductibles and copayments. Medicaid Advantage Plus (MAP) Plans: For individuals with long-term care needs, MAP plans provide a “wrap-around” partial Medicaid benefit to enhance coordination between Medicare and Medicaid services. If you’re eligible, you can enroll by following these steps: Call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227) and enroll in the MAP plan’s Medicare product. You may be instructed to call the MAP insurer directly for further enrollment. Contact New York Medicaid Choice (the state’s managed care enrollment program) at 888-401-6582 to complete the Medicaid portion of enrollment into the MAP plan. Original Medicare + Medicaid: Some individuals may prefer Original Medicare coverage because it provides greater flexibility in choosing providers. In this case, you can combine Original Medicare with a Medicare Part D plan and fee-for-service (FFS) Medicaid. Additionally, consider a Medicaid managed long-term care (MLTC) plan if you have long-term care needs. Remember that each situation is unique, so it’s advisable to consult with a knowledgeable professional or contact your local Medicaid office for personalized guidance.

What is medicare replacement plan also known as?

A Medicare replacement plan is also known as a Medicare Advantage plan. These plans are offered by private insurance companies and provide an alternative to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) by bundling benefits, which may include additional services like vision, dental, and wellness programs. Medicare Advantage plans often include prescription drug coverage (Part D) as well.