Medicare and you 2009 handbook

Contact MyBenefits Member Access. The Medicare Supplemental Plan works like a Medigap policy. It pays the part of Medicare-approved charges that Medicare does not, including deductibles and coinsurance. It does not coordinate with Part C. Part D is optional. If you decide not to enroll in a Medicare drug plan when you are first eligible, you may pay a Penalty see Choosing Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage for the First Time if you choose to join later.

These plans are run by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare. You get all of your Medicare coverage through these plans, including prescription drugs. Both types of plans are called Medicare drug plans in this section. We are pleased to report that while there is still work to do, the new Handbook makes important strides towards reversing the bias in favor of MA that was prevalent in recent editions. In this report, we examine the improvements, and highlight where more attention is needed.

It is a fee-for-service health plan. You must pay the deductible. Medicare pays its share of the Medicare-approved amount, and you pay your share coinsurance and deductibles. You pay this higher amount as long as you have Medicare. There are some exceptions. Read more about the Late Enrollment Penalty. Preferred Provider Organization PPO Plan -- A type of health plan available in a local or regional area in which you pay less if you use doctors, hospitals, and providers that belong to the network.

You can use doctors, hospitals, and providers outside of the network for an additional cost. Here is an example for St. Johns County, FL. Premium -- The periodic payment to Medicare, an insurance company, or a health care plan for health care or prescription drug coverage.

Preventive Services -- Health care to keep you healthy or to prevent illness for example, Pap tests, pelvic exams, flu shots, and screening mammograms. Primary Care Doctor -- A doctor who is trained to give you basic care. Your primary care doctor is the doctor you see first for most health problems. He or she makes sure that you get the care that you need to keep you healthy. He or she also may talk with other doctors and health care providers about your care and refer you to them.

In many Medicare Advantage Plans, you must see your primary care doctor before you see any other health care provider. The insurance plan, rather than the Medicare Program, decides how much it will pay and what you pay for the services you get.

You may pay more or less for Medicare-covered benefits and may have extra benefits than in the Original Medicare Plan.