Medicare Complete: A Better Medicare Than Medicare?
Medicare, the U.S. Government's health insurance plan, is
automatically offered to most senior citizens at least 65 years old. For
a younger person to be eligible for Medicare program, certain conditions
need be satisfied (e.g., certain disabilities or diseases). The Medicare
program is run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
The Medicare plan as it currently exists consist of four parts. Part A
provides hospital coverage. Part B offers optional medical coverage.
Part C allows some Medicare recipients to receive their coverage through
private insurance companies. The prescription drug plan is implemented
through Part D.
Medical Complete is the name of a Medicare
alternative offered by United Healthcare Services, Inc. (UNH).
Although Medical Complete is not a new "part" of Medicare, it is
approved by Medicare, and the government must approve the Medicare
Complete benefits. Additionally, United Healthcare is under contract
with the federal government to provide this plan to American
citizens. The difference with the Medicare Complete plan is that it
administers a member's Medicare coverage rather than Medicare
itself.
The Medicare Complete program was created in 1997 to provide health
care consumers with more choices for receiving their Medicare
benefits. This is allowed through Medicare Part C, which allows
private insurance companies to offer Medicare coverage.
The coverage provided by Medicare Complete was designed to meet and
exceed the minimum coverage of regular Medicare. It provides
coverage at least as equivalent to Medicare Parts A and B.
Preventive care is covered, and there are annual spending limits on
most out-of-pocket expenses. Furthermore, the Medicare Complete
coverage can travel with the member through the UnitedHealth
Passport program.
In response to the recent addition of Medicare Part D prescription
drug coverage, there is an equivalent Medicare Complete Rx plan. The
coverage matches that of the regular Medicare prescription plan.
Medicare Complete members may chooses a plan with or without the
Medicare Complete Rx option.
Customer service is built in to the Medicare Complete program. A
toll-free line offers customer service. Registered nurses can be
consulted around the clock for medical advice. A newsletter is
published three times annually. Medical education on certain
diseases, as well as medical reminders for periodic medical
treatments, are provided.
If you are tired of dealing with Medicare, want a plan with more
benefits for the same price, and would welcome increased customer
service, consider a Medicare Complete plan. It appears to provide
the same (or better) benefits than your current Medicare plan, with
personalized care.
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