Mrs. Wang wants to know generally how the benefits under Original Medicare might compare to the benefits package of a Medicare Advantage Plan before she starts looking at specific plans. What could you tell her?
b. Medicare Advantage Plans may offer extra benefits that Original Medicare does not offer such as vision, hearing, and dental services. It must include a maximum out-of-pocket limit on Part A and Part B services.
While Medicare Advantage Plans must cover all the services that Original Medicare provides (except hospice care, which continues to be covered under Part A), they can offer additional benefits that are not typically covered under Original Medicare, such as vision, hearing, and dental services. Additionally, these plans often include prescription drug coverage (Part D). Medicare Advantage Plans also have a maximum out-of-pocket limit for Part A and Part B services, which Original Medicare does not have, potentially offering beneficiaries financial protection against high healthcare costs.