Part B Excess charges occur when a doctor charges more than the Medicare-approved amount. This happens when the healthcare provider does not accept Medicare assignment and decides to charge you extra. They are legally allowed to do this up to a maximum of 15%.
How to avoid Medicare Excess Charges
Enroll in Medigap Plan G or Plan F
Medigap plan F and plan G both cover 100% excess charges so your insurance company will pay those extra fees, not you.
Seniors who turn 65 before 2020 can still enroll and keep their Plan F as you can read in our article about all the Plan F changes in 2020. Medigap Plan G not only covers 100% of your excess charges but because it has a lower premium it is usually a better deal than Plan F, so if you were planning on getting the latter make sure to check the price of Plan G first.
Needless to say, every variant of Plan G and Plan F like Innovative F or G Extra also covers excess charges.
Some states do not allow excess charges
That means that if you live in one of these states, you will not have to pay these charges. Here is a list:
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
If you reside in one of these states, you may want to consider a Medigap Plan N. Medigap N is less expensive than Plan G but doesn’t cover excess charges. If you live in a state that doesn’t allow excess charges, why pay for a benefit that you will most likely not use?
Enrolling in Medigap with Senior65.com
There is never a charge or hidden fee to work with Senior65.com. Since Medicare Insurance prices are regulated, no one can sell you the same plan for less than we can. Give us a call when you are ready to enroll.