What is one potential risk of not knowing your Medicare coverage?

Not knowing your Medicare coverage can lead to overcharging by providers. This risk stems from a lack of understanding of what services and treatments are covered under your specific Medicare plan. For instance, if a beneficiary is unaware of certain copayments, deductibles, or the need for prior authorizations for specific services, they might inadvertently seek care that is not fully covered or is outside the scope of their plan. As a result, they may face unexpected bills or charges from healthcare providers that would normally be covered under Medicare. This scenario illustrates the importance of being well-informed about one's Medicare coverage to avoid financial pitfalls associated with medical expenses.

The other potential risks listed in the choices do not directly correlate with the implications of misunderstanding Medicare coverage. For example, not knowing your Medicare plan does not impact tax filing requirements, restrict travel, or necessarily lead to increased out-of-pocket maximums because those situations are typically governed by different regulatory frameworks and personal choices unrelated to the specifics of Medicare coverage comprehension.