Over the years, both training insurance agents and helping Medicare beneficiaries, Excess charges come up and seem to be a confusing topic and one that is easy to be afraid of, after all, we are all a little afraid of what we don't understand.

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An excess charge is an amount that the doctor can charge above the amount Medicare approves, up to 15% over in most states.

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For example, let's say you go to the doctor. Let's assume that Medicare says the approved amount for that particular appointment is $100. The Doctor can charge a 15% balance bill for the visit, which would be an additional $15.

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Now keep in mind this only applies to Orignal Medicare, and not the Medicare Advantage plans. 

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These excess charges are easy to avoid, you can simply ask the doctor if they accept Medicare assignment, If they do, they will not charge the excess charge. 

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Round numbers were used for explanation purposes; We're not stating that a doctor visit has a Medicare-approved amount of $100. 

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