Medigap Monday: What are Medicare Part B excess charges
b'If you are enrolled in Medicare, you may be familiar with Medicare Part B Excess Charges. Some doctors accept what is called the \\u201cassigned\\u201d rate for their work. Others charge a higher rate, but they cannot charge more than 15 percent more than the assigned rate. \\nFor example, Medicare might decide that the fair \\u201cassigned\\u201d rate for a specific procedure should be $400. A doctor who accepts the Medicare assignment would bill at or below that rate.\\nHowever, your doctor may decide that $400 is not a sufficient reimbursement. Doctors are allowed to charge up to an additional 15% over and above what Medicare has approved. Therefore, in this case, your doctor could charge you $460 and you would be responsible for paying the additional $60 \\u201cexcess\\u201d charge out-of-pocket ($400 X 15% = $60 excess charge) in addition to any deductible and co-pay.'