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Glossary

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Term Definition
Annual Deductible

The amount you must pay for your prescriptions or other medical care, before your Medicare drug plan or Medicare Health Plan begins to pay. These amounts can change every year.

If "Under Review" appears, it means that the prescription drug coverage is still being discussed by Medicare and the plan.

Any Willing Doctor

A doctor, hospital, or other health care provider that agrees to accept the plan's terms and conditions related to payment and that meets other requirements for coverage
Approval Status

If Medicare has approved the coverage and costs offered by the company for the year 2008. "As submitted by organization" means the company has a current contract with Medicare, but Medicare is still discussing the coverage and costs offered by the company for 2008.
Assignment

In the Original Medicare Plan, this means a doctor or supplier agrees to accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment. If you are in the Original Medicare Plan, it can save you money if your doctor accepts assignment. You still pay your share of the cost of the doctor's visit.

*NOTE: An asterisk (*) after a term means that this definition, in whole or in part, is used with permission from Walter Feldesman, ESQ., Dictionary of Eldercare Terminology, Copyright 2000.

This glossary explains terms in the Medicare program, but it is not a legal document. The official Medicare program provisions are found in the relevant laws, regulations,and rulings.