What are some of the disadvantages of a Private Fee-For-Service plan?
When selecting a Private Fee-For-Service plan, patients should be sure to confirm the plan is accepted by his/her health care providers. Excluding emergency situations, providers have a choice of whether to accept Private Fee-For-Service plans. Patients should also be aware of what the plan covers. Although Private Fee-For-Service plans guarantee payment for medically necessary services covered under Medicare, patients may be responsible for a service that does not meet this criteria and is not covered by the Private Fee-For- Service plan. Similarly, while Private Fee- For-Service plans often are less costly than traditional Medicare plans, they also can charge deductible, co pay, and coinsurance amounts that are different than those under Medicare and may charge a premium for the extra benefits they provide, such as prescription drugs. It is important to look at the plan s coverage, premiums, co pays, and all other out-of-pocket costs before making a final decision.
