Medicare Advantage Plans
What are Medicare Advantage Plans?
A Medicare Advantage Plan is another way to get your Medicare coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are offered by Medicare-approved private companies that must follow rules set by Medicare. If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you’ll still have Medicare but you’ll get most of your Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage from the Medicare Advantage Plan, not Original Medicare. Most plans include Medicare prescription drug
coverage (Part D). In most cases, you’ll need to use health care providers who participate in the plan’s network. However, many plans offer out-of- network coverage, but sometimes at a higher cost.
Remember, you must use the card from your Medicare Advantage Plan to get your Medicare-covered services. Keep your red, white, and blue Medicare card in a safe place because you’ll need it if you ever switch back to Original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage Plans cover almost all Medicare Part A and
Part B benefits
In all types of Medicare Advantage Plans, you’re always covered for
emergency and urgent care. Medicare Advantage Plans must cover almost all
of the medically necessary services that Original Medicare covers. However,
if you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan, Original Medicare will still cover
the cost for hospice care, some new Medicare benefits, and some costs for
clinical research studies.
Plans can offer extra benefits
Most Medicare Advantage Plans offer coverage for things that aren’t covered
by Original Medicare, like vision, hearing, dental, and wellness programs (like
gym memberships). Plans can also cover more extra benefits than they have
in the past, including services like transportation to doctor visits, over-the-
counter drugs, adult day-care services, and other health-related services
that promote your health and wellness. Plans can also tailor their benefit
packages to offer these new benefits to certain chronically ill enrollees.
These packages will provide benefits customized to treat those conditions.
Check with the plan to see what benefits are offered and if you qualify.
Medicare Advantage Plans must follow Medicare’s rules
Medicare pays a fixed amount for your coverage each month to the
companies offering Medicare Advantage Plans. These companies must
follow rules set by Medicare. However, each Medicare Advantage Plan can
charge different out-of-pocket costs and have different rules for how you get
services (like whether you need a referral to see a specialist or if you have
to go to doctors, facilities, or suppliers that belong to the plan’s network
for non-emergency or non-urgent care). These rules can change each year.
The plan must notify you about any changes before the start of the next
enrollment year. Remember, you have the option each year to keep your
current plan, choose a different plan, or switch to Original Medicare.
If you would like to review options request a 30 minute free consultation
Be sure to put in the comments that you would like to discuss Medicare Advantage plans and the state you are located in. We will send you a confirmation email for the appointment and a short Scope of Appointment form to give us permission to discuss specific benefits carrier benefits and rates.