Important Information About Medicare Advantage Plans
- Fall 2023
In previous years, Brookings Health System signed participation agreements and was in-network with only three Medicare Advantage plan providers.
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, also referred to as Medicare Part C, are managed by commercial insurance companies on behalf of Medicare and replace original Medicare Parts A and B. These plans have come under scrutiny as of a late by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the preauthorization tactics some MA plans use to delay or deny necessary patient care.
Brookings Health does not endorse these tactics, which we have experienced from some plans. As such, we have chosen not to renew contracts with any MA plans starting in 2024. Brookings Health routinely reviews contracts and plans and may re-partner with MA plans in the future.
We encourage Medicare beneficiaries to carefully weigh the pros and cons between original Medicare and MA plans, including network restrictions of some MA plans. To offer low out-of-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries, some MA plans have narrowed provider networks. Other MA plans do not restrict beneficiaries’ access to providers or hospitals. We encourage you to review your plan and contact your insurance agent or the number on the back of your plan’s card for policy specific details.
We also encourage you to research your options through Medicare.gov, Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE), and Minnesota Senior Linkage Line. We are pleased to host the free SHIINE presentation, Understanding Medicare, on Sept. 27. Register online or call (605) 696-8030.
Brookings Health promises to provide the same high-quality care for all Medicare beneficiaries regardless of their plan choice. If you elect an MA plan, you may still receive care at Brookings Health System. Brookings Health will also still file your claim to your MA plan. Lastly, Brookings Health System still accepts original Medicare and Medigap supplement insurance plans.
Do you have additional questions about Medicare? Our Frequently Asked Questions page may help.