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| What is Medicare Advantage? |
| Medicare Advantage Plans are health insurance options for people with Medicare. Medicare prescription drug coverage is insurance. This includes Medicare Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), and the newest option… Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans. Each year, people with Medicare may choose among the Medicare Advantage Plan choices in their area. Private companies provide the coverage. |
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| Who is eligible? |
| You must have Medicare Part A and Part B. You cannot have end stage renal disease. There are no health pre-screening questions. |
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| Will I still have to pay the Medicare Part B premium? |
| Yes. No matter which Medicare Advantage Plan a person with Medicare chooses, they will continue to pay the Medicare Part B premium. It is important to note that some providers will credit a portion or all of the Part B premium back to the beneficiaries in some areas. |
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| Am I still in the Medicare program? |
| Yes. You are still in the Medicare program and have all Medicare rights and protections. You will still receive your regular Medicare covered services. |
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| Are there any hidden costs? |
| No. What you pay out-of-pocket depends on the plan's monthly premium amount. In some cases, you will have to pay other costs such as co-payments or coinsurance for the services you receive. |
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| What does the coverage do for me? |
• The plans generally offer lower co-payments and extra benefits than the original Medicare plan
• The plans may have little or no monthly premiums
• Some plans include Part D coverage
• No need for a Medicare supplement |
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| What are my options? |
| As with any insurance program, you have options. Although these plans will all meet Medicare's stringent requirements, they may differ in terms of costs and coverage. As with other types of insurance, your monthly premium and out-of-pocket costs may vary with different plans. |
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| What if I don't sign up now? |
Enrollment begins November 15, 2007 and ends March 31, 2008. If you do not sign up with a plan by March 31, you will not be elligeable to receive coverage until January of the following year (provided you choose a plan during the next enrollment period). |
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| Do I have to sign up for a plan? |
| It is not mandatory that you choose a Medicare Advantage plan. |
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| What is Part D? |
Part D is prescription drug coverage that can be part of a Medicare Advantage plan or used as a stand alone plan with standard Medicare. Medicare prescription drug coverage is insurance. Private companies provide the coverage. You choose the drug plan and pay a monthly premium. When you join a plan, Medicare helps pay the bill. |
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