Medicare Blog

what is a local medicare carrier?

by Helene Reichert Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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A Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) is a private health care insurer that has been awarded a geographic jurisdiction to process Medicare Part A and Part B (A/B) medical claims or Durable Medical Equipment (DME) claims for Medicare Fee-For-Service (FFS) beneficiaries.Jan 12, 2022

What are all Medicare carrier locality codes?

All Medicare Carrier Locality codes Carrier Locality State Fee Schedule Area GPCI PW 10112 00 AL - Alabama STATEWIDE 1.000 02102 01 AK - Alaska STATEWIDE 1.500 03102 00 AZ - Arizona STATEWIDE 1.000 07102 13 AR - Arkansas STATEWIDE 1.000 20 more rows ...

What does Medicare use private carriers for?

Medicare uses private carriers for business functions, durable medical equipment, processing insurance claims and reviewing appeals. Basically, Medicare employs different Part A and B administrative carriers for various regions of the country.

What is a car carrier for Medicare?

Carriers serve an important function in the operation of Original Medicare. Medicare maintains a list of carriers and the areas that they serve. Customers must direct claims and questions to the carrier that serves the area where the claim occurred. Customers can call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE ( 800-433-4227).

How much do Medicare Administrative carriers actually do?

Amazingly, in 2020 alone Part A and Part B carriers processed more than $400 billion in claims, bills, disputes, and appeals for the Medicare Fee-For-Service program. As well as handling the ins-and-outs of medical claims, Medicare Administrative Carriers educate providers to develop improvements for claims standards.

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How to contact Medicare for a plan?

This is not a complete listing of plans available in your service area. For a complete listing, please contact 1-800-Medicare (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048) , 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov.

What is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage plans are another way to get your Part A and Part B coverage, and many plans offer extra benefits, such as prescription drugs , routine vision or dental, or hearing.

What is the original Medicare?

Original Medicare is the federal health-care program for people who are 65 or older or certain younger individuals with disabilities. You may also qualify at any age through end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). Original Medicare is made up of two parts.

Is Wellcare a PDP?

Enrollment in WellCare (HMO) depends on contract renewal. WellCare (PDP) is a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in WellCare (PDP) depends on contract renewal. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc. is a PDP plan with a Medicare contract.

Is Aetna a PDP?

Aetna Medicare is a PDP, HMO, PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Our SNPs also have contracts with State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. Humana is a Medicare Advantage [HMO, PPO and PFFS] organization and a stand-alone prescription drug plan with a Medicare contract.

Is Kaiser Permanente an HMO?

depends on contract renewal. In California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and Georgia, Kaiser Permanente is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. In Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia, Kaiser Permanente is a Cost plan with a Medicare contract.

Is UnitedHealthcare a Medicare Advantage?

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.

Current Maps and Lists

To find out who the current A/B and DME MACs are, use these maps and lists to help you determine which MAC is of most interest to you.

DME MACs

The DME MACs process Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Orthotics, and Prosthetics (DMEPOS) claims for a defined geographic area or "jurisdiction," servicing suppliers of DMEPOS. Learn more about the DME MAC in each jurisdiction.

What is a local coverage determination?

What’s a "Local Coverage Determination" (LCD)? LCDs are decisions made by a Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) whether to cover a particular item or service in a MAC’s jurisdiction (region) in accordance with section 1862 (a) (1) (A) of the Social Security Act. MACs are Medicare contractors that develop LCDs and process Medicare claims.

What is MAC in Medicare?

MACs are Medicare contractors that develop LCDs and process Medicare claims. The MAC’s decision is based on whether the service or item is considered reasonable and necessary.

What is Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. , or both. You need the item (s) or service (s) determined not covered by the LCD.

Why does LCD not cover service?

This is because that item or service isn’t considered reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury, or to improve the function of a malformed part of the body.

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