Easy Medicare Advantage Explains Michigan Medicare Plans

Health plans approved by the federal government and run by private companies are called Michigan Medicare Advantage Plans. These are referred to as Medicare Part C. This is not supplement insurance and you must follow rules set by Medicare.

Medicare Advantage Plans provide benefits equal to those in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Medicare Advantage Plans can charge different co-payments, coinsurance and deductibles for the services. All Medicare Advantage plans must cover all medically necessary services that the original Medicare does.

Michigan Medicare Advantage Plans may offer added benefits such as vision, hearing, dental and health and wellness programs. Most will include prescription drug coverage for an additional cost.

In the original Medicare or the original Medicare with a Medigap policy have higher premiums or the cost of services (co-pays and deductibles). Medicate Health Plans have different cost of services and charge different premiums. This is something you might want to check into before you join.

For Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) doctor visits and no deductibles low to no co-payment is offered. In order to see a specialist you must have a referral from your Primary Care Doctor. You must use doctors and hospitals within your network to receive full benefits.

Low co-pay slightly higher than a HMO is offered by Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. These plans allow freedom of choice when it comes to picking your doctor or hospital as long as they are in your network.

The Private Fee for Service (PFFS) has more flexibility. They allow you to pick any doctor or hospital because there is no network. Doctors and hospitals must accept the plan's conditions before they treat you, except in an emergency.

The most popular option is the Medical Savings Account. A high deductible health plan with a medical savings account is combined in this plan. The government puts money into this account. You can use this to pay your deductible or other out of pocket medical expenses such as dental or eyeglasses.