Pittsburg, Kansas | A few things have went up a little.
Specialist visit is now $40. Was 35. More if out of network.
Lab services are still free. I have been surprised at that. I always get some extra stuff and instruct my doctor I will pay any extra if needed. Vitamin d, insulin assay, etc. But it always comes back paid for,
CT or MRI 160. Think it used to be 150.
Same day or outpatient surgery 325-375. Not sure if that is more than it was before.
- $335 per day, days 1-6; $0 per day, days 7-90 Per Admission - No Per Day Charge on Day of Discharge (I think it was 300)
$275 ALLOWANCE EVERY YEAR FOR PRESCRIPTION CONTACT LENSES AND EYEGLASSES (INCLUDING FRAMES & LENSES) That may actually be up 25 from last year.
$1,500 PER EAR EVERY YEAR. hearing aids. I have done that twice. The second time I paid 500 (for both ears) for upgrade to rechargeable. The first pair was free for rechargeable so that essentially has been a reduction in benefit.
2,000 ALLOWANCE EVERY YEAR FOR DENTAL SERVICES LIKE EXAMS, CLEANINGS, FILLINGS AND CROWNS. I don't think that has changed. I go out of network to my regular dentist so sometimes I pay a small copay charge for the visit. If I went in network I could avoid that but I like my dentist.
I guess I don't see anything earth shattering. We still pay nothing a month but do have some charges as stated above. There are a few more benefits (like meal plans that we don't need or would eat) and costs but nothing other than what we had in the past. Free Silver Sneakers membership that I used some in the past but have not started back up since covid.
The whole idea with the PPO's is the government contracts with private insurance for a fixed, known amount. A fixed known cost to the government instead of an unknown cost per individual with Medicare. Then if the insurance company can manage better than the government they can make some money on the transaction. But for the insurance company to provide incentives for anyone to go with their product they have to sweeten the pot, so to speak. Thus the drug coverage, dental, hearing and eyewear beyond what Medicare provides. I have not checked the drug plan but basically we have minimal to no cost on generics with some significant costs for high priced name brand drugs. The insurance companies must do ok with their offerings or they would just stop providing or promoting them. They must make some money off the deal I would presume.
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PPO's for Medicare insurance
