Medicare beneficiaries face a crucial decision regarding their healthcare coverage: should they opt for original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan?
This decision can be revisited annually during the open enrollment period, from October 15 to December 7.
One of the significant distinctions between original Medicare and Advantage plans lies in the requirement for prior authorization before the plan covers certain medical services.
Notably, these plans often necessitate approval for the specific care or service and the healthcare provider delivering it.
In recent years, there has been a fair share of adverse reports concerning the prior authorization process within Advantage plans.
For instance, in 2022, an Inspector General’s report revealed that 13% of denials were for benefits that should have been covered.
The information shed light on specific Advantage plans employing clinical guidelines not included in Medicare or requesting unnecessary additional documentation.
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Advantage Plans’ Non-Medicare Guidelines and Documentation Requests
Complaints from beneficiaries have highlighted concerns about the extended duration it takes for plans to adjudicate prior authorization requests and the need for more clarity and swiftness in the appeal process.
Due to these issues, disenrollments from Advantage plans surged to 17% in 2021, a notable increase from 10% in 2017.
Nevertheless, Advantage plans have continued to gain popularity despite the challenges, with over 50% of Medicare beneficiaries enrolling in them in 2023, marking a significant milestone.
In response to the mounting grievances, the federal government took action earlier this year by introducing new prior authorization rules for Advantage plans, slated to come into effect in 2024.
These regulations mandate that Advantage plans provide more comprehensive information about prior authorization requests to beneficiaries.
They are also required to establish more transparent guidelines on submitting a proposal that stands a better chance of success and disclose more data to the public.
Crucially, prior authorization is supposed to be allowed on financial grounds. Members of Advantage plans should receive the same types and levels of care as they would under original Medicare.
Nevertheless, it’s important to note that Advantage plans can still impose limitations on coverage, particularly concerning the choice of doctors and other medical providers within their network.
Before making the decision to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, it’s essential to be well-informed about the rules governing prior authorization for medical care and the procedures for appealing an unfavorable decision.
Consider reaching out to the plan for specific details regarding the percentage of care requests that are typically denied.
Knowing these aspects can help you make an informed choice about your Medicare coverage and ensure that your healthcare needs are met efficiently and effectively.
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Source: Forbes
