There are different parts to Medicare that cover different aspects of your healthcare needs. Your Medicare Part A is your hospital insurance. Generally, it covers inpatient hospital stays, hospice care, and any surgeries or lab tests you have in a hospital. Part B, by contrast, is your clinical insurance that also covers preventative care. Your Plan B will cover doctors’ services, outpatient care, durable medical equipment, and any tests. Medicare Advantage plans also called Part C, are health insurance plans offered by private companies that are approved by Medicare and provide extra coverage in addition to your Part A and Part B Plans. Many of them also include Medicare prescription drug coverage.
Medigap Plans
Your Medigap Plan C benefits include covering your Medicare Part A deductible, your medical Part B deductible, and coverage if you have an emergency while traveling abroad (up to a certain amount). Your Medigap plan can even cover your hospital costs up to a year after your Medicare benefits have been used, so it can save you a lot of money if you are expecting to need more medical care. Your Medicare Plan C, however, does not cover Medicare Part B Excess Charges. If you expect to have Medicare part B Excess Charges, then speak to one of our specialists about what plan will work for you.
Each Medicare Advantage Plan charges different out-of-pocket costs. They also have different regulations regarding if you need a referral to see a specialist or can see any doctors outside of the network. There are a few different types of advantage plans:
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans
- Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS) plans
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans
- Saving Account Plans (MSA)
Cigna Medicare Advantage HMO Plans
The Cigna HMO plans have very low premiums and costs, which is why they are so popular among many clients. However, with an HMO plan your primary care physician (PCP) must be an in-network provider, and you need a referral in order to see a specialist. If you stick with doctors, hospitals, and other providers within the HMO’s network, then all of your services will be covered. But it’s important to check which hospital systems, labs, and clinics are under a plan before choosing it.
Cigna Medicare Advantage PPO Plans
PPO plans are different from HMO plans because you do not need a referral in order to see a specialist. And you can see doctors and specialists outside of your plan’s network, as long as you agree to pay a higher coinsurance or co-pay than if you had gone with an in-network provider. The benefit of a PPO plan is that if you ever decide you want to see a specialist right away, and someone not in-network, then for a little extra you can see that preferred doctor.
Cigna Medicare Advantage PFFS Plans
PFFS plans are flexible because they do not have a network. As long as you see any Medicare-approved doctor, you’ll pay a certain amount for each service that you receive. However, healthcare providers decide for themselves whether or not they will accept PFFS plans on a case-by-case basis, so it’s not the most reliable plan.
Cigna Medicare Saving Account Plans (MSA)
These are accounts that Cigna deposits a determined amount into for you. The money in this savings account can be used to pay your Medicare Part A Part B costs.
Why You Should Call South Florida Medicare Specialists
If you are age 65 or older, then you may be eligible for free Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) and you may be able to enroll in medical insurance (Part B) by paying a low monthly premium. It’s going to depend on how many years you have been working in the United States, so eligibility is different for everyone. It’s important to speak with one of our South Florida Medicare Specialists who can help you understand your options and provide you the dedicated assistance you need to pick the best plan.
But the other reason why you need to speak to one of our specialists is because Medicare Supplement Plan C is not the same as Part C. A Medigap Plan C is different from the types of benefits you receive with a Medicare supplement. When you purchase a Medicare Plan C, you are able to enjoy the benefits of your original Medicare but have the peace of mind that your supplement policy will pay for things such as your deductibles for inpatient and outpatient services. If you choose the wrong plan, then you may find yourself without access to the healthcare you need without paying out-of-pocket costs. Our specials are able to walk you through the process of choosing the right plan for you.