Med Supps Vs. Medicare Advantage

[GreenSky]

If it wasn't better, could they call it "advantage?"

Rick

 

[somarco]

If it wasn't better, could they call it "advantage?"

Advantage carrier.

Game, set match.

 

[ecrowe]

Medicare Supplements:
Positives

• no network so they can go to any provider that participates with Medicare
• No managed care. Means you do not need prior auth on most procedures such as major radiology, skilled nursing etc...
• Benefits are standardized in most states so you know you are getting the same benefits from company to company (assuming the same letter supplement is used such as plan G)
• You can determine the exact amount of coverage you need and buy the plan that fits
• Can pick a drug plan that fits your medication list and the pharmacy you go to

Negatives

• You need to pay 3 premiums - Medicare part B (unless they are on LIS or MSP), the Medicare supplement premium and the Medicare part D drug plan premium
• The coverage for preventative is not always comprehensive depending on how the provider bills the procedure. You can be left with out of pocket on annual physicals depending on tests they run
• Supplements only cover costs from services approved by Medicare

Medicare Advantage:
positives

• Most plans have no or very little monthly premium (you still pay the part B premium however)
• The part D Rx plan is included in the plan
• Annual physicals are covered to a greater extent than they are with Original Medicare and a supplement
• Some plans have additional benefits like vision, dental and gym membership coverage

Negatives

• Since the Advantage plan is your primary insurance they are network based plans
• They are managed care plans so some plans may require referrals for specialists and they will also require prior authorization on a number of procedures which can cause delays in getting them done
• The copays are usually reasonable but if you have a high utilization year, it can add all the way up to the out of pocket max on the plan
• The drug plan built into the advantage plan may not be a good fit for the specific medication you take

 

[LostDollar]

If it wasn't better, could they call it "advantage?"

Rick

Sure.

 

[ecrowe]

Rick, I assume you are being sarcastic....

 

[somarco]

CMS rules only allow the word "Adv*ntage" to be used by federal government employees and carriers.

Rick violated rules by using Adv*ntage in his reply.

Visiting hours at CMS jail to be posted at a later time.

 

[goillini52]

CMS rules only allow the word "Adv*ntage" to be used by federal government employees and carriers.

Rick violated rules by using Adv*ntage in his reply.

Visiting hours at CMS jail to be posted at a later time.

Better tell him to NOT drop the soap.

 

[policywunk]

If it wasn't better, could they call it "advantage?"

Rick

I hear CMS may change the name to " More Better Medicare Plans " in 2020

 

[vic120]

I hear CMS may change the name to " More Better Medicare Plans " in 2020

you misquoted Its the Mo Better Medicare Plans

 

[somarco]

Its the Mo Better Medicare Plan

Does that mean they want Mo Money?