What Is Medicare Plus?

Medicare Plus is one of the original names of Medicare Advantage (MA)---one of the options that Medicare beneficiaries have for receiving benefits.

Definition

• Medicare offers private to consumers MA health plans. These private plans have contracted with Medicare to offer beneficiaries their benefits.

Available Plans

• MA plans are available in different types, such as HMO, PPO, POS, and private fee-for-service plans available for purchase in most areas. More rare are Medicare Savings Accounts and, for those with chronic diseases or special needs, Special Needs plans.

Costs

• Typically, MA plans cost more because they offer more benefits. The plans charge deductibles and copayments for most services and, usually, a small premium in addition to the Medicare Part B monthly premium.

Rules

• MA plans must offer at least the same benefits as traditional Medicare; however, they may do so at different costs and with different rules. Consumers in MA plans are often in a provider network, unlike in traditional Medicare, and may see doctors only in the network. MA plans must extend to members the rights to switch plans and to appeal service denials.

Prescription Drugs

• The majority of MA plans include a Part D prescription drug component. Fee-for-service and MSA plans do not include Part D plans. These consumers must purchase a separate Part D plan.