Many seniors have questions about Medicare Part C supplemental insurance
plans. Here are some answers to some of their most frequently asked
questions about Medicare C that can help readers learn more about these
supplemental insurance policies.
Q: Who sells these policies to consumers?
A: Private insurance agencies who have been approved by Medicare to provide coverage sell these policies.
Q: What are Medicare part C supplement plans?
A: Medicare Part C supplement plans are privately issued insurance
policies that offer most of the same Medicare benefits that traditional
Medicare coverage offers. They also offer additional benefits that offer
coverage for medical supplies or services that Medicare may not cover.
Q: What does a Medicare part C supplement plan cover?
A: Medicare Part C supplement plans provide most of the same benefits
that Medicare parts A and B offer. As a result, Medicare Part C plans
will cover such medical services as emergency hospital services, urgent
care services, most doctor's visits and in-patient rehabilitation
services.
Furthermore, the plans also provide supplemental coverage for various
medical services that Medicare parts A and B may not cover. For example,
several Medicare Part C supplement offer coverage for prescription
drugs and coverage for hearing services. Other Medicare Part C plans
offer coverage for dental or wellness programs that may not be covered
by Medicare parts A or B.
Q: What types of Medicare Part C supplement plans are available?
A: There are many types of Medicare Part C plans available. Here is a
brief look at two of the most popular Part C plans available.
--HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans are immensely popular with
budget-conscious consumers. These plans offer managed care options that
require doctors and patients to follow a set of rules that dictate how
services are provided. These plans are popular because they are offer
cheaper premiums. However, most patients must be careful to follow the
HMO's guidelines to keep their costs manageable.
--PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans are also popular with many
consumers. These plans offer consumers a network of hospitals, doctors
and pharmacies who work together to offer services on a contract basis
to policyholders.
Q: How much do policyholders pay when they use Medicare Part C supplement plans?
A: The amount policyholders pay depends on the type of plan they choose.
For example, some Medicare Part C supplement plans charge a monthly
premium. Others might charge a yearly deductible or a co-pay that
policyholders pay before they use the coverage.
Q: May consumers who have preexisting medical conditions purchase Part C Medicare policies?
A: Generally speaking, consumers who have preexisting medical conditions
can purchase most Part C Medicare policies. However, consumers who
suffer from end-stage renal disease may not purchase the policies
because Medicare Parts A and B provide coverage for people who suffer
from this disease.
Q: When can consumers enroll for Part C Medicare coverage?
A: Most plan providers set aside certain times of the year to sign up
for coverage that coincide with Medicare enrollment periods. For example,
HMO plans might open enrollment in January or March to coincide with
Medicare’s Part A enrollment period.
Q: Finally, how can consumers enroll for coverage?
A: Consumers can enroll for coverage online or by sending in an
application in the mail. They may also enroll by visiting a local
insurance underwriter who offers the plans.
