There have been recent letters to the editor regarding Medicare Advantage Plans. It is correct that Medicare issues currently under discussion include payment reductions in Medicare Advantage Plans that could begin as early as 2011.

It is important to understand that the term "Medicare Advantage Plan" is an umbrella under which a number of different plan types reside.

The Medicare law is Title XVIII of the Social Security Act:

Part A -- Hospital

Part B -- Medical

Part C -- Medical Health Plans

Part D -- Prescription drug coverage

Medicare Advantage Plans are under Part C of Medicare. With the Medicare Advantage program, private companies contract with Medicare to offer health plans that cover all Medicare Part A and Part B benefits.

Part C -- Medicare Health Plans (Medicare Advantage Plans) include:

• Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)

• Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs)

• Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS)

• Special Needs Plans (SNPs)

• Medical Savings Account Plans (MSAs)

Other types of Medicare Health Plans not identified specifically as Medicare Advantage Plans are Medicare Cost Plans (available in MN) and PACE Plans (not available in Minnesota).

Medicare Health Plans continue to evolve under the guidance of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and acts of Congress.

As difficult as it might be to keep politics out of the discussion, ask questions and stay on top of your health care situation no matter what type of plan you have.

Michael Pagelkopf

Rochester

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