Other Medicare health plans

Some types of Medicare health plans that provide health care coverage aren't Medicare Advantage Plans but are still part of Medicare. Some of these plans provide 

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

 and 

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

 coverage, while most others provide only Part B coverage. Some also provide 

Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D)

.  

These plans have some of the same rules as Medicare Advantage Plans. However, each type of plan has special rules and exceptions, so contact any plans you're interested in to get more details.

Medicare Cost Plans

Medicare Cost Plans are a type of Medicare health plan available in certain areas of the country.

Here are important facts about Medicare Cost Plans:

• You can join even if you only have Part B.
• If you have Part A and Part B and go to a non-network provider, the services are covered under
  Original Medicare
  . You would pay the Part A and Part B
  Coinsurance
  and
  Deductible [glossary]
  .
• You can join anytime the plan is accepting new members.
• You can leave anytime and return to Original Medicare.
• You can either get your Medicare prescription drug coverage from the plan (if offered), or you can join a
  Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D)
  .

Another type of Medicare Cost Plan only provides coverage for Part B services. These plans never include Part D. Part A services are covered through Original Medicare. These plans are either sponsored by employer or union group health plans or offered by companies that don't provide Part A services.

For more information about Medicare Cost Plans, contact the plans you're interested in.

Demonstrations/pilot programs

Demonstrations and pilot programs, (also called “research studies”) are special projects that test improvements in Medicare coverage, payment, and quality of care. They usually operate only for a limited time for a specific group of people and/or are offered only in specific areas. Check with the demonstration or pilot program for more information about how it works. To find out about current Medicare demonstrations and pilot programs, call us at 1-800-MEDICARE.

Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) is a Medicare/Medicaid program that helps people meet health care needs in community.

Learn more about PACE.

Medication Therapy Management programs

If you're in a Medicare drug plan, you can learn how to manage your medications through a free Medication Therapy Management (MTM) program. Through the MTM you'll get:

• A list of your medications and the reasons why you take them
• An action plan to help you make the best use of your medications
• A summary of your medication review with your doctor or pharmacist

Learn more about Medication Therapy Management programs.