| Health insurance policy for Medicare beneficiaries that is designed to cover expenses that are not covered by Original Medicare coverage (e.g., deductibles and co-payments and services not covered by Medicare). There are a variety of standardized plans available ranging from A (least coverage) to J (most coverage) and, beginning in 2006, Plans K and L. Due to the implementation of Medicare Part D, no new Medigap plans can now be sold with drug coverage. |
 Network |
| A group of pharmacies, hospitals, and doctors who have contracts with an insurance plan to provide care to its members. Members save money when they stay "in network" and use the services of participating network providers. |
| Original (a.k.a., Traditional or Fee-for-Service) Medicare |
| Coverage that reimburses a fee for a service provided by any doctor, hospital, or other health care provider. Beneficiaries are responsible for deductibles, co-payments, and coinsurance amounts in Original Medicare Parts A and B. Beneficiaries will remain in Original Medicare plans unless they opt to join another type of health plan such as a Medicare Advantage HMO or PPO. |
| Out of Pocket Costs (a.k.a., Traditional or Fee-for-Service) Medicare |
| The amount of health care expenses that Medicare beneficiaries pay themselves including deductibles, co-insurance, and the Medicare Part D coverage gap. |
| Outpatient Care |
| Health care services that do not include an overnight stay in a hospital. |
| |
| Recommended Links: Medigap Insurance Medicare |
|
