MEDICARE CHOICE Meaning and
Definition
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Medicare Choice refers to a program that offers Medicare beneficiaries the option to receive their healthcare coverage through private health insurance plans, rather than the traditional fee-for-service Medicare program. Also known as Medicare Part C or Medicare Advantage, this program provides an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits.
Under Medicare Choice, private insurance companies contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to offer comprehensive health coverage to Medicare beneficiaries. These plans must provide at least the same benefits as Original Medicare, but often include additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing services. Medicare Choice plans may also offer coordinated care, where a primary care physician coordinates the patient's healthcare services.
Enrollment in Medicare Choice is voluntary, allowing beneficiaries to choose the plan that best suits their healthcare needs. Participants in Medicare Choice typically pay a monthly premium in addition to their Medicare Part B premium. However, these plans may also offer lower out-of-pocket costs and have annual limits on out-of-pocket expenses, providing beneficiaries with some financial protection.
Medicare Choice offers a variety of plan types, including Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), and Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans, among others. It is important for beneficiaries to carefully review and compare the different options available in their area before selecting a Medicare Choice plan, as each plan may have different premiums, benefits, and provider networks.
Common Misspellings for MEDICARE CHOICE
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Etymology of MEDICARE CHOICE
The term "Medicare Choice" is a combination of two words with distinct origins:
1. Medicare: The word Medicare derives from the Latin word "medicus" meaning "physician" or "healer". It was first used in the English language in the late 1950s, specifically in reference to a health insurance program for elderly and disabled individuals in the United States. The term was coined by the American Medical Association and was later adopted as the official name of the healthcare program implemented by the U.S. government in 1965.
2. Choice: The word choice has its roots in Old English, as "cēosan" meaning "to test, taste, choose". It has evolved over time to represent the act of selecting or deciding between two or more possibilities.
