MAPD & the Importance of HIP & CHAS

Protecting yourself from the unexpected with smart, affordable backup plans.

“A good defense is the best offense.” — Jack Dempsey

You’ve enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MAPD) plan and you’re loving the perks—dental, vision, hearing, and maybe even a SilverSneakers® membership. But what happens when life throws a curveball?

A hospital stay, cancer diagnosis, heart attack, or stroke can bring more than emotional stress—it can bring serious out-of-pocket costs.

That’s where HIP (Hospital Indemnity Plans) and CHAS (Cancer, Heart Attack & Stroke Plans) come in. These powerful add-ons offer peace of mind and financial protection where your MAPD plan may leave gaps.

Let’s explore how they work and why more clients are choosing to round out their Medicare strategy with these affordable, smart solutions.

🚨 The Hidden Risks Inside Medicare Advantage Plans

While MAPD plans do offer an annual out-of-pocket maximum—typically between $3,000 and $8,000—the costs leading up to that cap can add up fast:

• $300–$400/day for hospital stays

• $20–$50 per specialist visit

• $200–$500+ for outpatient surgeries

• 20% coinsurance on treatments like chemotherapy or radiation

And remember: that out-of-pocket limit resets every January. A health crisis in December could roll over into a second year of expenses in January. Ouch.

🏥 What Is a Hospital Indemnity Plan (HIP)?

A Hospital Indemnity Plan pays cash benefits directly to you when you’re admitted to the hospital. That means you decide how to use it—no red tape, no reimbursement waiting game.

HIP benefits can help cover:

✅ Hospital stay copays
✅ Observation unit fees
✅ Ambulance transportation
✅ Home recovery costs
✅ Time off work or caregiver help

💡 Most plans start around $1–$3/day, and benefits often range from $100 to $500+ per day, depending on your plan choice. It’s a little protection that goes a long way.

❤️ What Is a CHAS Plan (Cancer, Heart Attack & Stroke)?

A CHAS Plan provides a lump-sum cash payout—often between $10,000 and $75,000+—when you’re diagnosed with:

• Cancer

• Heart Attack

• Stroke

You can use the money for:

💳 Medical bills
🚗 Travel for treatment
🏡 Home modifications
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Time off work or hiring caregiving help

Here’s why it matters:

• 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will face cancer in their lifetime

• 1 in 5 heart attacks happen to people under 65

• Even with insurance, cancer treatment averages over $10,000/year out of pocket

👉 CHAS is more than a plan—it’s your financial lifeline when life changes in an instant.

🔍 Why MAPD Alone May Not Be Enough

Even if your MAPD plan says something is “covered,” that doesn’t mean you won’t pay. There’s a difference between coverage and protection.

🛡️ HIP + CHAS = Your One-Two Punch of Protection

When used together, these two plans create a powerful combo that fills the most expensive gaps in Medicare:

✅ Cash in your pocket when you need it most
✅ Freedom to choose how to spend your benefits
✅ Affordable monthly premiums
✅ Less stress during a health emergency

Many of our C & K clients add both for less than the cost of one dinner out per month. That’s a small price to pay for big peace of mind.

💙 How C & K Healthcare Advisors Has Your Back

At C & K, we don’t stop at enrolling you in a Medicare Advantage plan. We take it further—with a full protection strategy tailored to your needs, health, and budget.

We'll help you:

• Evaluate your risk for hospital stays or critical illness

• Compare HIP and CHAS options that fit your lifestyle

• Bundle your coverage with dental, vision, hearing, and Part D

• Avoid surprises and build a safety net you can count on

✨ Trusted Care. Tailored for You. That’s what we’re all about.

🌟 Final Thought:

Your MAPD plan is a great foundation—but HIP and CHAS are the armor. They protect your savings, reduce stress, and give you control when life takes an unexpected turn.

Let C & K Healthcare Advisors help you build the complete Medicare game plan—because getting into the game is one thing… winning it financially is another.