I've been paying into Medicare for years, and I'm not sure why my specialist visits still cost me so much. What am I missing here?
Answered by 9 licensed agents
Answered by Melonie Wood on April 21, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL & AL
Answered by Bill Green on March 26, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 19 other states
Answered by Jolynn Allen on April 7, 2025
Agent Licensed in CO
People say they have Medicare when they actually have a Medicare Advantage plan, which is NOT MEDICARE, and too often then not, is NOT AN ADVANTAGE!!!
Original Medicare through your Part B would allow you the freedom to choose your specialist and would cover 80% of the cost. If you had a Supplement plan with Original Medicare, they could be paying for some or ALL of those charges and excess charges.
My recommendation is to speak to a Medicare professional so that during Open Enrollment, starting October 15th, you can assure you find the correct plan you need!
Answered by Norman Smith on April 16, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL & PA
Your costs for specialist visits are likely because of deductibles, coinsurance, copays, or even the fact that you are seeing an out-of-network doctor.
If you are ONLY covered by Medicare Part A and B, Medicare Part B covers doctor's services, but it has a deductible and coinsurance.
If you are covered by Medicare Part A, Part B, and a Medicare Supplement, it will depend on what supplement you are covered by. Plan F has no copays, coinsurance, or deductible. Plan G has a small deductible to meet, then it will cover everything 100% for the rest of the year. Other plans will have deductibles and coinsurance.
If you are covered by Medicare Part A, Part B, and a Medicare Advantage plan, there will be copays that you must pay until you reach the maximum out-of-pocket limit on the plan. Depending on where you live and what plan you are covered by, that maximum out-of-pocket can range anywhere from $2,000 up to $10,000.
There is also the issue that your specialist may not accept Medicare assignment (they agree to bill Medicare directly), so they charge you more (15%) than the Medicare-approved amount, which leads to a balance you have to pay.
Answered by Diana Garner on April 22, 2025
Broker Licensed in KY, FL, IN, OH & TN
Answered by Diana Salisbury on April 19, 2025
Broker Licensed in OH, IN & MI
Answered by Valentina Gatewood on April 8, 2025
Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, ID & NJ
Answered by Peter Yeh on March 21, 2025
Agent Licensed in CA & TX
Original Medicare only pays 80% of provider services. Most Advantage plans have copays.
Answered by Glenn Quinn on April 20, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 13 other states
Tags: Coverage The Medicare System
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