Private Plans

Private plans operate in Medicare to supplement or substitute for the traditional fee-for-service (FFS) program. Beneficiaries can elect to receive the full set of Part A and Part B benefits through a Medicare Advantage plan or to receive outpatient prescription drugs from a Part D plan. Beneficiaries who decide to remain in traditional FFS Medicare can purchase supplemental medigap plans that provide coverage for cost sharing and other benefits that “wrap around” the traditional benefit. The Commission analyzes trends in care and spending on private plans and makes recommendations to the Congress and the Secretary of Health and Human Services.