Medicare Part B Excess Charges

What are excess charges?  They are charges above that approved by Medicare if your doctor or hospital does not accept assignment.  Although most physicians will accept assignment, some specialists, and specialty hospitals do not.  Let us say that the example below illustrates heart surgery requiring a specialist who doesn't accept assignment.  As you can see plans A-E, and H leave you vulnerable to considerable excess charges.

This applies to a Plan A, B, C, D, E, and H

Now take the same example if you have a Plan F, Plan J, or Plan I which covers 100%, or a Plan G which covers 80% of the excess charges.  In the example below you would pay $0.00 with a Plan F, I, or J.  With a Plan G which covers 80% of the excess charges you would be responsible for up to $1,500.00.

This applies to a Plan F,  Plan J, or Plan I