Medigap: Current Policies Contain Coverage Gaps, Undermine Cost Control Incentives.

摘要

Individuals who are eligible for Medicare automatically receive Hospital Insurance (HI), known as part A, which helps pay for inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility, hospice, and certain home health care services. Beneficiaries pay no premium for this coverage but are liable for required deductible, coinsurance, and copayment amounts. (See table 1.) Medicare- eligible beneficiaries may elect to purchase Supplementary Medical Insurance (SMI), known as part B, which helps pay for selected physician, outpatient hospital, laboratory, and other services. Beneficiaries must pay a premium for part B coverage, currently $54 per month. Beneficiaries are also responsible for part B deductibles and coinsurance.