Does Medicare Advantage Plan include Part A?

Asked by: Dr. Javon Blanda IV  |  Last update: November 24, 2023
Score: 5/5 (51 votes)

If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, the plan will provide all of your Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage. This is different than a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy (discussed on page 3). What do I need to know about Medicare Advantage Plans?

Does Medicare Advantage include Part A?

A Medicare Advantage Plan is another way to get your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA” Plans, are offered by Medicare-approved private companies that must follow rules set by Medicare. Most Medicare Advantage Plans include drug coverage (Part D).

Is Medicare Advantage Part A or B?

Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)

A type of Medicare-approved health plan from a private company that you can choose to cover most of your Part A and Part B benefits instead of Original Medicare. It usually also includes drug coverage (Part D). Refer to Medicare glossary for more details.

Can you have Medicare Advantage without Part A?

You must have Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) to join a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Which coverage is included in Medicare Part A?

What Part A covers. Medicare Part A hospital insurance covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility, hospice, lab tests, surgery, home health care.

What is Medicare Advantage? Medicare Advantage Plans Explained

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What is not covered in Medicare Part A?

Generally, most vision, dental and hearing services are not covered by Medicare Parts A and B. Other services not covered by Medicare Parts A and B include: Routine foot care. Cosmetic surgery.

How long does Medicare Part A last?

If a doctor formally admits you to a hospital, Part A will cover you for up to 90 days in your benefit period. This period begins the day you are admitted and ends when you have been out of the hospital for 60 days in a row. Once you meet your deductible, Part A will pay for days 1–60 that you are in the hospital.

What is the difference between Medicare Part A and Medicare Advantage?

Traditional Medicare (also called Original Medicare) includes Medicare Part A and Part B, which give you inpatient and outpatient coverage. The difference with Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) is that they include Part A and Part B coverage, plus much more.

Can you go back to regular Medicare after an Advantage plan?

If you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan and you want to switch to traditional Medicare, you should contact your current plan to cancel your enrollment and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Note there are specific enrollment periods each year to do this.

Does a Medicare Advantage Plan pay your Part B premium?

If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with this benefit, the plan carrier will pay some or all of your Part B monthly premium. The amount covered can range from 10 cents to the full Part B premium cost ($164.90 in 2023).

Does Medicare Advantage cover more than original Medicare?

With a Medicare Advantage Plan, you may have coverage for things Original Medicare doesn't cover, like fitness programs (gym memberships or discounts) and some vision, hearing, and dental services (like routine check ups or cleanings). Plans can also cover even more benefits.

Does Medicare Advantage pay the same as Medicare?

You could have higher monthly premium payments with Original Medicare than with Medicare Advantage, because you might want to add a Part D prescription drug plan or other additional coverage. You may pay more copays with Medicare Advantage than with Original Medicare.

Does Medicare Advantage pay part A deductible?

In the case of inpatient hospital stays, Medicare Advantage plans generally do not impose the Part A deductible, but often charge a daily copayment, beginning on day 1. Plans vary in the number of days they impose a daily copayment for inpatient hospital care, and the amount they charge per day.

Why do so many older adults choose Medicare Advantage?

Many Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits, such as money toward dental or vision care, which isn't covered by original Medicare. About 1 in 4 people say extra benefits pushed them to choose Medicare Advantage, according to a survey by the Commonwealth Fund, a health care think tank.

How do you qualify to get $144 back from Medicare?

To qualify for the giveback, you must:
  1. Be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
  2. Pay your own premiums (if a state or local program is covering your premiums, you're not eligible).
  3. Live in a service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.

Does Medicare Advantage include Medicare A and B?

If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, the plan will provide all of your Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage. This is different than a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy (discussed on page 3). What do I need to know about Medicare Advantage Plans?

Is Medicare Advantage better or worse?

For many seniors, Medicare Advantage plans can work well. A 2021 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that Advantage enrollees often receive more preventive care than those in traditional Medicare. But if you have chronic conditions or significant health needs, you may want to think twice.

Is Medicare Advantage cheaper?

A Medicare Advantage plan is usually the cheaper overall option for those with low or moderate medical needs, after considering the cost of the plan and expenses for medical care. Medicare Advantage enrollees typically pay very little each month but will pay a larger portion of medical costs.

Why do people choose Medicare Advantage plans?

Under Medicare Advantage, you will get all the services you are eligible for under original Medicare. In addition, some MA plans offer care not covered by the original option. These include some dental, vision and hearing care. Some MA plans also provide coverage for gym memberships.

Are Medicare Advantage patients healthier?

Historically, Medicare Advantage beneficiaries have been healthier than those in the traditional program, but this seems to be changing: beneficiaries now have similar characteristics and experiences regardless of coverage.

What are the rules to have a Medicare Advantage plan?

Who Qualifies for Medicare Advantage? You are eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan if you have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Even those on Medicare under 65 due to disability may enroll. You may sign up for a Medicare Advantage policy if you live in your chosen plan's service area.

Does Medicare Part A pay 100% of hospital stay?

After you pay the Part A deductible, Medicare pays the full cost of covered hospital services for the first 60 days of each benefit period when you're an inpatient, which means you're admitted to the hospital and not for observational care. Part A also pays a portion of the costs for longer hospital stays.

Does Medicare Part A pay 100 percent of hospitalization?

For a qualifying inpatient stay, Medicare Part A covers 100 percent of hospital-specific costs for the first 60 days of the stay — after you pay the deductible for that benefit period. Part A doesn't completely cover Days 61-90 or the 60 “lifetime reserve days” you can use after Day 90.