Val Trca - Senior Insurance Advisor

An excess charge is if you have Original Medicare, and the amount a doctor or other health care provider is legally to charge is higher than the Medicare-approved amount, the difference is called the excess charge.

A Medicare approved amount is in Original Medicare, this is the amount a doctor or supplier that accepts assignment can be paid. It may be less than the actual amount a doctor or supplier charges. Medicare pays part of this amount and you’re responsible for the difference.

When you enroll in an Advantage plan (Medicare Part C), you agree to receive your Medicare benefits through that private plan instead of through Original Medicare.

The deductible is the amount you must pay for health care or prescriptions before Original Medicare, your Medicare Advantage Plan, your Medicare drug plan, or your other insurance begins to pay.

Fast Fact: You cannot contribute to a health savings account if you have ANY part of Medicare active. You also cannot accept any contributions from an employer if you have active Medicare.