Compare Medicare Advantage Plans
When comparing different Medicare Advantage plans, consider the following seven steps:
1. The amount of premium you pay each month. Some Medicare Advantage plans have low premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs when it comes to medical services. Other plans may have higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs for medical services.
2. Any extra benefits offered in addition to traditional Medicare coverage. Many Medicare Advantage plans provide additional services like vision or dental coverage at no extra cost.
3. The network of doctors and hospitals that participate in each plan. Ensure that your preferred providers accept the plan you’re considering.
4. Whether the plan covers prescription drugs and if there are any restrictions on those medications (such as prior authorization).
5. How often your plan’s benefits change after enrolling. Some insurers make annual changes, while others guarantee rates for two years or longer.
6. If there is an annual out-of-pocket threshold. This figure determines how much you’ll pay out of pocket before your insurer pays 100% of covered costs for the remainder of the year.
7. If there is a cost-sharing limit. This figure determines how much you’ll pay each year before your insurer stops covering any additional expenses related to medical care.
It’s also helpful to read customer reviews and research customer service ratings for different insurance carriers before deciding which plan best meets your needs. Ultimately, by considering all these factors and doing your due diligence when researching different options, you can find a Medicare Advantage plan that offers comprehensive coverage at an affordable price.
The Different Types of Medicare Advantage Plans
Private insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage plans that provide Medicare Parts A and B coverage and include additional benefits that Original Medicare does not cover.
There are four main types of Medicare Advantage plans:
- Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
- Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs)
- Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS)
- Special Needs Plans (SNPs)
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) are the most common type of Medicare Advantage plan. HMOs require you to use a network provider to receive care, except in emergencies or when you need urgent care. You must select a primary care physician who coordinates your care and manages referrals to specialists if necessary. These plans may include Part D prescription drug coverage and vision and dental benefits.
Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) do not require you to select a primary care physician or obtain referrals for specialty care. With these plans, you can choose any doctor or hospital in the plan’s network, but you will pay less if you stay within the network boundaries. Like HMOs, PPOs may include Part D prescription drug coverage and vision and dental benefits.
Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS) allow members to receive services from any provider that accepts the plan’s payment terms and agrees to treat patients enrolled in the plan. However, providers can choose not to accept payment from a particular PFFS on an individual basis; therefore, it’s important to make sure your doctors accept this type of plan before enrolling in one.
Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are available for people with chronic health conditions such as diabetes or heart failure or those living in institutional settings such as nursing homes. These plans help ensure that people with special health needs get coordinated services tailored specifically for them. SNPs typically have more restrictive networks than other Medicare Advantage plans; however, they may offer additional benefits that regular plans do not provide, like access to case managers or transportation assistance for appointments and tests related to managing a chronic condition.
When Can I Apply for a Medicare Advantage Plan?
When applying for a Medicare Advantage Plan, the timing is essential. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to apply for a Medicare Advantage Plan at certain times of the year or any time under certain conditions. Generally speaking, you can sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan during the Annual Election Period (AEP), which takes place from October 15th to December 7th each year.
However, there are several other times of the year when you may be eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan or make changes to an existing one.
These include:
– The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This is when an individual is first eligible to sign up for Original Medicare benefits. This period typically begins three months before they turn 65 and ends three months after their birthday.
– Special Enrollment Periods (SEP): If you experience certain life events that trigger eligibility, such as moving out of your current plan’s service area or losing other health coverage, you could qualify for a special enrollment period.
– Open Enrollment Periods: Certain plans have open enrollment periods at the beginning of each calendar year, allowing individuals to switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another without penalty.
– Trial Right: If you join a Medicare Advantage plan within 12 months of when you are first eligible for traditional Medicare Part A and B coverage, then you have 30 days after joining the new plan in which you can opt out without penalty and return to traditional Medicare coverage if it does not meet your needs.
It’s important to remember that each situation is different, and depending on the circumstances, there may be additional options available for when you can sign up for a new Medicare Advantage Plan or make changes to an existing one. Therefore, it’s always best to speak with an insurance specialist and get professional advice before making decisions about your healthcare coverage.
Medicare Resources:
For some additional help, consider these Medicare resources. They can help you learn more about the options available for American Medicare beneficiaries. You may find that these resources will help you answer your questions about things like the Medicare Part B premium or your Medicare coverage, too.
- Medicare’s Medicare Advantage Overview
- The Medicare Extra Help Program
- www.medicare.gov
- CMS: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
You can also use our Medicare Advantage quote form to compare your options. This will help you find the best plan for the most affordable price. We’re also here to help you one-on-one, so call and talk to one of our licensed insurance agents today!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, Medicare.gov provides an interactive tool that allows users to compare and contrast plans based on location and personal healthcare needs. In addition, this tool will enable users to view cost-sharing information, benefits offered, doctor network size, and other features for each plan.
No, different plans can cover various benefits and services depending on where you live. Generally, Medicare Advantage plans must cover all the same basic benefits as Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Still, some may offer additional coverage, such as vision, hearing, and dental care. Some plans also provide coverage for prescription drugs.
Next Steps
We specialize in guiding Medicare beneficiaries through their Medicare insurance options. We work with some of the nation’s top-rated Medigap carriers so that you can be sure you’re getting the best possible service. Take a deeper look at the plans by reviewing our Medicare Supplement Plans Comparison Chart. Additionally, you can give us a call today to learn more or request a quote online.
