Medicare Advantage plan / Medicare
My 80 year old wife and I receive social security and we have medicare advantage plans. In the last six months my wife has gone under hospice care for her alzheimer’s disease. Should I drop her advantage plan since it now seams unnecessary for her care?
Terry Says
No. Do not drop her plan. Hospice is covered under Part A of Medicare. Here’s what I found about hospice and Advantage plans:
*****
Because Original Medicare benefits already provide hospice care as part of the program’s traditional menu of services, having a Medicare Advantage plan should not affect the ability to receive hospice services; however, a Medicare Advantage plan may offer additional benefits to the patient that are not included in Original Medicare. Because Medicare Advantage plans usually offer additional insurance benefits on top of Part A and Part B coverage, the specific nature of added benefits will be on a per-plan and provider basis.
In some situations, a Medicare Advantage plan may offer additional financial resources to the patient, family members and caregivers. Certain methods of care may also be available to be received outside of approved provider networks. In addition, certain medications or medical devices may be available for use in comfort and support under a Medicare Advantage plan that are not included in Original Medicare insurance. Once again, this will be determined by the plan and insurance provider, so it would be a good idea to discuss any concerns or questions you have with your plan for clarification.
