Question

Mr. Carlini has heard that Medicare prescription drug plans are only offered through private companies under a program known as Medicare Advantage (MA), not by the government. He likes Original Medicare and does not want to sign up for an MA product, but he also wants prescription drug coverage. What should you tell him?

Answer 1

Mr. Carlini can add a Medicare Part D plan to his Original Medicare for prescription drug coverage. This stand-alone plan is separate from Medicare Advantage and is offered by private companies but regulated by the government.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mr. Carlini is misinformed regarding Medicare prescription drug plans. These plans are not solely available through Medicare Advantage (MA). In fact, after responding to a critical need for elderly and disabled individuals who often need several prescription drugs, the government expanded Medicare with the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003.

Under this act, beneficiaries seeking prescription drug coverage have two main options: they can either enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers prescription drug coverage, or they can maintain Original Medicare and add a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan for prescription drugs. Medicare Part D plans are offered by private insurance companies but are regulated by the federal government, separate from the MA program, allowing for individuals like Mr. Carlini to receive prescription drug benefits without enrolling in an MA plan.

It is important for Mr. Carlini to understand that he has the option to add a Medicare Part D plan to his existing Original Medicare coverage, ensuring he can enjoy the benefits of prescription drug coverage while retaining his preferred healthcare plan structure.

Answer 2

Drug coverage can be attained by selecting a PDP or Prescription Drug Plan if he doesn’t like to go for a MA plan.

Step-by-step explanation:

Medicare provide all their customers a drug coverage with their plans. In order to get a drug coverage one can opt for a Prescription Drug Plan or PDP.

The PDP plan covers the Original Medicare along with MSA plan, PFFS plan and Medicare cost plan. Medicare cost plan may sometimes does not provide the drug coverage if the enrollee doesn’t opt for it.