Medicare Advantage Plans
You might discover that Original Medicare doesn’t provide coverage for everything you need or want with your healthcare benefits. If you’re looking for additional coverage, such as vision, dental, hearing and/or transportation to your medical providers, a Medicare Advantage plan, also referred to as Part C, might be an alternative to consider.
What is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage, which is not a part of Original Medicare, is an alternative option for those who want more coverage than what Part A and Part B offer.
Medicare Advantage plans are operated by private insurance companies that not only provide benefits that meet or exceed those found in Original Medicare, but also cover those additional out-of-pocket costs that you are charged. It is a plan that bundles together Part A, Part B and usually Part D.
Medicare Advantage plans have a network of providers, which consist of doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other healthcare services that are approved by the private insurance companies. The plan designs include HMOs, PPOs, POS, PFFS and MSAs.
Medicare Advantage has specific service areas, so it’s important that you research what plans are available in your county before enrolling.
Why Was Medicare Advantage Created?
After 40 years of existence, Medicare introduced an alternative to Original Medicare. With the rising costs associated with operating Original Medicare, programs were needed that would provide improved outcomes with lower costs.
As a result, Congress passed the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 which created Medicare Advantage plans. The act was initially designed to create universal prescription drug entitlement; however, it also replaced Medicare Choice Plus (Part C) with Medicare Advantage as an alternative to Original Medicare and Medigap.
What does Medicare Advantage Cover?
Medicare Advantage provides the same benefits found in Original Medicare, with the exception of Hospice, which is still covered under Part A.
Medicare Advantage also offers benefits for dental, vision and hearing, as well as gym memberships, transportation and a 24-hour nurse line.
With lower premiums than Medigap, Medicare Advantage can provide a great value to those who want more benefits for their insurance dollars.
The Pros and Cons of Choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan
By selecting a Medicare Advantage plan, you can receive additional benefits not offered with Original Medicare. However, there are some restrictions that are worth mentioning as well.
Please carefully research all your options, including Medicare Advantage before deciding on the benefit plans best suited for your situation.
Advantages
✓ Coverage for routine hearing, vision and dental coverage for hearing aids and complimentary or discounted gym memberships.
✓ A fixed out-of-pocket maximum, lower premiums than Medigap plans.
✓ Networks of credentialed providers, which includes doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other healthcare services.
✓ The freedom of choice every year to switch your plan during the Annual Enrollment Period.
Disadvantages
✓ Lower number of medical providers.
✓ The need for prior authorization for certain procedures.
✓ It sometimes isn’t compatible with other forms of retiree coverage.
Medicare Advantage Costs
Medicare Advantage plans operate with deductibles, coinsurance and copayments, where supplement programs will have a zero or low deductible for medical care. For budget conscious consumers, Medicare Advantage can save you on monthly premiums by combining medical and prescription coverage.
When Can You Enroll in Medicare Advantage?
There are three opportunities to enroll into Medicare Advantage:
✓ During your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) when you turn 65. This is the 7-month window that surrounds your 65th birthday. During this enrollment period, you can sign up for a Medicare Advantage plans with or without Prescription Part D coverage.
✓ If you delayed your Part B enrollment due to having employer coverage, you can elect to enroll into Medicare Advantage under a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). To learn more about Special Enrollment periods, please go to our Special Enrollment Period – Working Past 65 page.
✓ Finally, for those already on Original Medicare and desire to switch to Medicare Advantage, Medicare offers an Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) where individuals can make this change. AEP runs from October 15 through December 7 each year and also provides you the opportunity to change plans or drop your Medicare Advantage plan. To learn more about the Annual Enrollment Period, please visit our Annual Enrollment Period page.
Want To Learn More About Medicare?
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