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Limiting Charge

Limiting Charge

In Original Medicare, the highest amount of money a beneficiary can be charged for a covered service by doctors and other healthcare suppliers who don’t accept assignment. The limiting charge is 15 percent over Medicare’s approved amount. The limiting charge only applies to certain services and doesn’t apply to supplies or equipment.

In Original Medicare, the highest amount of money a beneficiary can be charged for a covered service by doctors and other healthcare suppliers who don’t accept assignment. The limiting charge is 15 percent over Medicare’s approved amount. The limiting charge only applies to certain services and doesn’t apply to supplies or equipment.

  • Limiting charges are a type of financial protection that is available to individuals who are enrolled in Medicare Part B (medical insurance). These charges are intended to limit the amount of money that an individual has to pay out-of-pocket for certain medical services and supplies and are designed to protect individuals from being charged excessive fees by healthcare providers.
  • One of the main benefits of Medicare limiting charges is that they can help individuals to manage their healthcare costs and avoid unexpected financial surprises. This can be especially important for individuals who have a high risk of developing a serious illness or injury, or who have a preexisting medical condition.
  • Medicare limiting charges apply to certain medical services and supplies that are provided by Medicare-participating providers. These providers are required to accept the Medicare limiting charge as payment in full for these services and supplies, and they are not allowed to charge the individual any additional fees.
  • It is important to note that Medicare limiting charges do not apply to all medical services and supplies, and there may be situations in which an individual is responsible for paying a larger out-of-pocket cost. For example, limiting charges may not apply to services that are provided by nonparticipating providers, or to services that are not medically necessary.

Understanding the limiting charge is essential for Medicare beneficiaries to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs when seeking care from providers who don't accept Medicare assignment.

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