Question

Centene offers a Medicare Advantage Plan called a Provider Specific Plan. This is a plan that:

Has a very large network of providers but limited benefits
Has a smaller list of network providers but some additional benefits
Has both a large network of providers and more benefits
Has both a smaller network of providers and limited benefits

Answer 1

A Provider Specific Plan offered by Centene is a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes a smaller network of providers and some additional benefits, designed to supplement the gaps in the original Medicare coverage, particularly concerning prescription drugs.

Step-by-step explanation:

Centene's Medicare Advantage Plan, known as a Provider Specific Plan, is designed to provide a smaller network of providers while offering some additional benefits. These plans can vary in the specifics of their provider networks and benefits, aiming to give beneficiaries options that align with their health care needs.

In contrast to traditional Medicare, these Advantage Plans can provide added value, such as prescription drug coverage, which addresses the notable gap within the original Medicare plan that affects many beneficiaries—especially the elderly and disabled—who commonly need multiple prescription drugs.

The Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003 introduced vital support to alleviate this issue by including prescription drug benefits under Medicare, as well as establishing a discount card program that helps save Social Security recipients an estimated 15% to 25% annually on medications.