While Medicare Part B excess charges aren’t commonplace, they can happen. If a provider takes Medicare assignment, some can still charge patients up to 15% on top of the original amount of the service.Â
But what does it mean to accept Medicare assignment? It means the provider agrees with Medicare’s rates and bills Medicare’s specified amounts (and most healthcare providers do). When a provider doesn’t accept Medicare assignment, they can charge more than the pre-approved amount. This is known as Medicare Part B excess charges, or balance-billing.Â
A first step to avoiding these charges might be to find a doctor near you that accepts Medicare assignment. Medicare.gov has a helpful Physician Compare tool to help find participating providers.
Beneficiaries who reside in certain states can also avoid paying excess charges with the right Medigap plan.
In states that prohibit Medicare Part B excess charges, providers cannot issue these charges and must adhere to the Medicare-approved payment amount.Â
There are currently only eight states that prohibit excess charges, and the Medicare beneficiary must live in one of these states in order to avoid them:
Connecticut
Massachusetts
Minnesota
New York
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Vermont
Some Medigap plans were intended to cover excess charges in full. Currently, there are only two available Medigap plans that cover Part B excess charges. Likewise, beneficiaries who have Medigap Plan F (which is no longer available for people new to Medicare) can also avoid excess charges.
Medigap Plan G enrollment is rapidly increasing, making it the current fastest-growing Medigap plan available. This plan provides the same coverage as Plan F, but it has a lower monthly premium, allowing beneficiaries to save $500 or more per year in premiums. Plan G covers all Medicare coverage gaps except the Part B deductible.
Medigap Plan N offers the same benefits for all carriers at a much lower premium than other, more popular plans. It pays the 20% coinsurance that isn’t covered by Medicare parts A and B. However, it doesn’t cover excess charges. If you live in one of the eight states above that prohibit excess charges, you can enroll in Plan N for a lower premium without worrying about excess charges.
Shop for a Medigap Plan during the Annual Election Period. Otherwise, you can switch Medicare Supplement plans anytime. Call Senior Healthcare Direct at 1-833-463-3262, TTY 711 or get your quote.
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