What are the 3 M's of Medicare services?

Asked by: Myrtle Larson  |  Last update: June 3, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (20 votes)

Integrating Medicare, Medicaid, and Marketplace (collectively, the 3Ms) is one of the 13 cross-cutting initiatives CMS is employing to continuously find ways to improve the lives of the people served by these programs.

What are the three Ms of Medicare services?

In the short time I have been CMS Administrator, we have already made significant progress on these pillars, focusing our efforts on improving health equity and access to coverage by working across what I call “the three Ms”: Medicare, Medicaid & CHIP, and the ACA Marketplaces.

What are the 3 parts of Medicare?

There are four parts of Medicare: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D.
  • Part A provides inpatient/hospital coverage.
  • Part B provides outpatient/medical coverage.
  • Part C offers an alternate way to receive your Medicare benefits (see below for more information).
  • Part D provides prescription drug coverage.

What is the best health insurance for seniors on Medicare?

Best Medicare Supplement: AARP/UnitedHealthcare. AARP/UnitedHealthcare is the best company for Medigap plans in 2025. For most people, the best company for Medigap coverage is AARP/UnitedHealthcare. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans cover many of the costs that you usually pay if you have regular Medicare.

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

8 Reasons to DELAY Medicare Past 65 That Will Save You Thousands and Avoid ALL Penalties

42 related questions found

Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?

Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.

What is the biggest disadvantage of the Medicare Advantage plan?

Medicare Advantage Plan Pros And Cons

One disadvantage is that some Medicare Advantage plans may offer fewer options when it comes to doctors and hospitals, as they may have smaller plan networks than Original Medicare.

What is the best dental plan for seniors on Medicare?

“My top picks for Medicare Advantage dental insurance include UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aetna, Humana and Devoted Health. These companies provide notable dental coverage, and there are different advantages for each. It's important to consider the insurance that the dentists in your area accept and the coverage provided.

What type of medical insurance do most retirees have?

Since Medicare pays first after you retire, your retiree coverage is probably similar to coverage from a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy. Both are likely to offer benefits that fill in some of the gaps in Medicare coverage—like coinsurance and deductibles.

Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?

Across the country, provider grumbling about claim denials and onerous preapproval requirements by Advantage plans is crescendoing. Some hospitals and physician practices are so fed up they're refusing to accept the plans — even big ones like those offered by UnitedHealthcare and Humana.

Who is the best person to talk to about Medicare?

Talk to someone
  • Call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Help from Medicare is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except some federal holidays. ...
  • Contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) – Get free personalized health insurance counseling.

Is there a medicare supplement that covers everything?

With Medicare Supplement Plan F, you get the most complete coverage available. And because Plan F also covers costs in excess of Medicare-approved amounts, you may have no out-of-pocket costs for hospital and doctor's office care.

What are 3 services not covered by Medicare?

We don't cover these routine items and services: Routine or annual physical checkups (visit Medicare Wellness Visits to learn about exceptions). exams required by third parties, like insurance companies, businesses, or government agencies. Eye exams for prescribing, fitting, or changing eyeglasses.

Why do I need Medicare Part C?

Medicare Part C provides more coverage for everyday healthcare including prescription drug coverage with some plans when combined with Part D. A Medicare Advantage prescription drug (MAPD) plan is when a Part C and Part D plan are combined. Medicare Part D only covers prescription drugs.

Is Medicare Part A free at age 65?

Premium-Free Medicare Part A Based on Age

To be eligible for premium-free Part A on the basis of age: A person must be age 65 or older; and. Be eligible for monthly Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) cash benefits.

Are dental implants free for seniors on Medicare?

Original Medicare excludes dental implants, covering them only in rare cases tied to medical treatment, like cancer care or accident recovery. Medicare Advantage plans can include implant coverage, but availability and benefits differ, making it essential to compare plans carefully.

What is the average cost of dental insurance for seniors?

Rates for individuals depend on the plan you choose and your location, with average premiums ranging from $20 to $60 per month. We were quoted for prices in Miami, and the most affordable plan, Spirit Preventive Plus PPO, costs about $20.15 per month, with maximum annual benefits of $1,000 per person.

What type of oral care is reimbursed by Medicare?

For instance, Medicare may cover: An oral examination in the hospital before a kidney transplant. An oral examination in a rural clinic or Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) before a heart valve replacement. Dental services needed for radiation treatment for certain jaw-related diseases (like oral cancer)

Can I drop my Medicare Advantage plan and go back to original Medicare?

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Between January 1 and March 31 of each year, if you already have a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) you can: Switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage). Drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare.

Why is a plan G better than an advantage plan?

Medigap Plan G offers more comprehensive benefits than the Medicare Advantage plan and is more widely available. It also provides more freedom for enrollees. For example, a Medigap Plan G enrollee can visit a specialist without a referral.

Do all hospitals accept Medicare Advantage plans?

While most hospitals do accept Original Medicare, there may be some that do not accept Medicare Advantage Plans. However, if you have a medical emergency while you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can seek care at any ER or hospital in the country.

Why are hospitals not taking Medicare Advantage plans?

Health systems have cited delayed reimbursements, cumbersome prior authorization requirements and high rates of patient claim denials for their decisions to drop Medicare Advantage plans.

Which company has the best Medicare Advantage plan?

Best Medicare Advantage Plans for 2025
  • Best Overall, Best for Low Costs: Cigna.
  • Also Great for Low Costs: Alignment Health.
  • Best for Nationwide Coverage: Aetna.
  • Best for Patient Experience, Best for Drug Coverage: Kaiser Permanente.
  • Best for Special Needs Plans: Humana.

Why is Humana dropping Medicare?

Rising medical costs and lower reimbursements from CMS led Humana and other insurers to plan market exits in 2025.