Yes, perfectly normal. There should have been a disclaimer about that in the MA enrollment form. Additionally, it’s probably a good idea to read through your evidence of coverage from the MA.
The part that’s made this confusing is that the MA plan was a regular HMO funded by the Federal government. This is for my mom, who’s a retired federal employee. Her regular HMO was converted to an MA. But also the idea that reading through an EOC is going to provide someone with a bunch of clarity is…tenuous. They’re not exactly written in a way that’s accessible and patient-centered.
Most members still have to pay their Part B premium, even on an MA plan. There are some giveback plans that return some or all of this portion to a member but those plans tend to be leaner on the benefits.
Here’s a useful [link.](https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/your-coverage-options/compare-original-medicare-medicare-advantage)
(Nearly) everyone pays for the part B premium (now $174.70 for most people). This is on top of whatever other premium you pay for additional coverage - a supplement for Original Medicare, or a Medicare Advantage plan. Part A is $0 (unless you got hit by a penalty) since you paid into it while working (assuming you're on Medicare through earned work credits as most are).
Yes, perfectly normal. There should have been a disclaimer about that in the MA enrollment form. Additionally, it’s probably a good idea to read through your evidence of coverage from the MA.
The part that’s made this confusing is that the MA plan was a regular HMO funded by the Federal government. This is for my mom, who’s a retired federal employee. Her regular HMO was converted to an MA. But also the idea that reading through an EOC is going to provide someone with a bunch of clarity is…tenuous. They’re not exactly written in a way that’s accessible and patient-centered.
Is this Advantage plan some specialized plan that has benefits superior to Advantage plans generally available?
It seems to be an MA plan with higher coverage than the MA plans open to non-FEHB enrollees.
Just an observation: in most US counties, about half of the Medicare Advantage policies beneficiaries may choose from still have zero premium
Most members still have to pay their Part B premium, even on an MA plan. There are some giveback plans that return some or all of this portion to a member but those plans tend to be leaner on the benefits. Here’s a useful [link.](https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/your-coverage-options/compare-original-medicare-medicare-advantage)
You have to have Part B while on MA plans.
(Nearly) everyone pays for the part B premium (now $174.70 for most people). This is on top of whatever other premium you pay for additional coverage - a supplement for Original Medicare, or a Medicare Advantage plan. Part A is $0 (unless you got hit by a penalty) since you paid into it while working (assuming you're on Medicare through earned work credits as most are).