Medicare Advantage plans contain many benefits that are not covered by original Medicare, according to a study by HealthPocket. The percentage of Medicare Advantage plans with at least one vision, dental, or hearing benefit that’s not included in original Medicare did not change between 2013 and 2014.
“While most Medicare Advantage plans included extra insurance benefits not in original Medicare Parts A & B, there is considerable variation for cost-sharing among these benefits as well as the extent of coverage. Consumers should review coverage details carefully before enrolling,” said Jesse Geneson of HealthPocket. From 2013 to 2014, the government reduced its benchmark payments to Medicare Advantage plans by 4%.
When reviewing data on 2014 Medicare Advantage plans, HealthPocket found the following:
• 94% of Medicare Advantage plans provide vision coverage.
• 71% of Medicare Advantage plans provide dental coverage.
• 59% of Medicare Advantage plans provide hearing coverage.
• 97% of Medicare Advantage plans provide at least one extra insurance benefit (vision, dental, or hearing) that is not covered by original Medicare insurance.
42% of Medicare Advantage plans offer extra insurance coverage for vision, dental, and hearing together in the same plan.
For more information, visit www.HealthPocket.com. healthpocket,
