Loading animation for Healix360, a mobile wound care service provider in San Bernardino County.
Healix360 logo featuring a medical cross and wave, representing advanced mobile wound care services.

Medicare Advantage Wound Care Coverage

Understanding Medicare Advantage (Part C) coverage for advanced wound care treatments, networks, and authorization requirements.

Medicare Advantage vs Original Medicare

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is private insurance that replaces Original Medicare (Parts A & B). All Medicare Advantage plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers—including wound care services. However, the rules differ significantly. Understanding these differences ensures you get the care you need without surprise costs.

 

What Medicare Advantage Covers for Wound Care

Medicare Advantage plans must cover all services Original Medicare covers, including: mobile wound care visits, wound debridement, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), advanced biologic dressings, skin substitutes and amniotic grafts, wound cultures, vascular assessments, and offloading devices. The difference is HOW they cover it—copays instead of coinsurance, network restrictions, and authorization requirements.

Prior Authorization Requirements

Most Medicare Advantage plans require prior authorization for:

• Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT)

• Skin substitutes and cellular grafts

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

• Some advanced dressings

Healix360 handles all prior authorization paperwork and follows up with your plan to ensure approval before starting treatment.

Network Considerations

HMO plans: Must use in-network providers only (except emergencies). Require referrals from primary care physician. PPO plans: Can see out-of-network providers but pay higher copays. May not need referrals. EPO plans: Must use network providers, but usually no referrals needed. Before starting wound care, verify Healix360 is in your plan's network or understand out-of-network costs.

Jump to Key Medicare Advantage Wound Care Sections

Medicare Advantage uses copays ($20-50 per specialist visit typical) instead of the 20% coinsurance of Original Medicare. While copays seem simpler, they can add up if you need frequent visits. The advantage: out-of-pocket maximum protection. Once you hit your plan's annual limit ($3,000-8,000 typical), the plan pays 100%. Original Medicare has no out-of-pocket maximum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral for wound care with Medicare Advantage?

It depends on your plan type. HMO plans typically require a referral from your primary care physician. PPO and EPO plans usually do not require referrals. We recommend checking your Summary of Benefits or calling the number on your insurance card to confirm your specific plan’s requirements.

Can Healix360 providers see Medicare Advantage patients?

Yes, Healix360 works with most major Medicare Advantage plans. We verify your coverage before your first visit and confirm whether we are in-network or explain any out-of-network costs. Our team also handles prior authorizations and coordinates directly with your plan to ensure seamless care.

What if my Medicare Advantage plan denies coverage?

We appeal coverage denials on your behalf. Medicare Advantage plans must cover services that Original Medicare covers, and denials are often due to missing or incomplete documentation. We submit additional medical records and clinical justification when needed. You also have the right to file a formal appeal and request an independent review through your plan.

Expert Burn Wound Care at Home

Specialized burn treatment with advanced dressings—preventing infection and minimizing scarring.