How a Medicare Advantage Plan Can Benefit You
If your 65th birthday is approaching, you may have thought about whether you should choose a Medicare Advantage plan or stick with traditional Medicare. Around 26 million Medicare enrollees have chosen Medicare Advantage, and with good reason.
But these policies are not one-size-fits-all. And all Medicare Advantage policies are individual policies, so if you have a spouse, you can each choose which one is best for your needs. You have many options with Medicare Advantage plans, and you may feel overwhelmed when you try to understand them.
Our agents are experts in the many Medicare plans available to you and can help you make sense of your choices. The right plan helps you make the most of your healthcare benefits
But these policies are not one-size-fits-all. And all Medicare Advantage policies are individual policies, so if you have a spouse, you can each choose which one is best for your needs. You have many options with Medicare Advantage plans, and you may feel overwhelmed when you try to understand them.
Our agents are experts in the many Medicare plans available to you and can help you make sense of your choices. The right plan helps you make the most of your healthcare benefits
MORE COVERED SERVICES
Medicare Advantage plans include services that Original Medicare doesn’t, such as hearing and vision care.
ALL-IN-ONE PLAN
With a Medicare Advantage plan, you don’t need coverage from separate Medigap or prescription drug plans.
AFFORDABLE PREMIUMS
Get affordable health care from a nationwide network of doctors when you choose this Medicare plan.
Original Medicare May Not Cover Everything You Need
Some people on Medicare also choose a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy to help with costs of services that Medicare does not cover. Medigap and Medicare Advantage are two different things. Medigap is supplemental coverage, while Medicare Advantage completely replaces original Medicare.
Original Medicare does not cover some services, including:
Medicare Advantage plans cover many of these services. You may want a Medicare Advantage plan specifically to help with hearing care or vision care, while alternative care like acupuncture may not matter to you. The key to getting the best coverage for your money is finding the Medicare Advantage plan that covers the services that matter most to you.
Original Medicare does not cover some services, including:
- Dental care and dentures
- Vision care
- Hearing aids
- Foot care
- Elective care like acupuncture and cosmetic surgery
Medicare Advantage plans cover many of these services. You may want a Medicare Advantage plan specifically to help with hearing care or vision care, while alternative care like acupuncture may not matter to you. The key to getting the best coverage for your money is finding the Medicare Advantage plan that covers the services that matter most to you.
Pros and Cons of Medicare Advantage
Some reasons you may choose a Medicare Advantage plan include:
However, some potential drawbacks to Medicare Advantage include:
It’s essential that you choose the right Medicare plan at the time of your initial enrollment. Our agents can help you choose the plan that best fits your health needs, budget, and lifestyle.
- They eliminate the need for a Medigap policy
- They typically offer prescription drug coverage equal to or better than a standalone Part D policy
- They may offer specific services you want, such as foot care or alternative treatments
- Most have affordable premiums
- Many plans offer nationwide networks of doctors
However, some potential drawbacks to Medicare Advantage include:
- You’re not allowed to have both Medicare Advantage and Medigap
- Some plans require pre-authorization for certain specialist services
- Premiums may change from year to year
- You can only enroll in Medicare Advantage enrollment during specific time periods
- You may have difficulty going back to a Medigap policy if you change your mind. For example, you may have a waiting period, or your pre-existing conditions may not be covered by Medigap right away.
It’s essential that you choose the right Medicare plan at the time of your initial enrollment. Our agents can help you choose the plan that best fits your health needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Medicare Advantage Plans vs. Traditional Medicare
Several private insurers offer Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover emergency and urgent care services.
They must also cover the medically necessary services that traditional Medicare covers, including:
Part A (hospital insurance)
Part B (outpatient and typical “doctor’s office” insurance)
Part D (prescription drug coverage
Some policies cover additional popular services that original Medicare does not. A qualified insurance agent can help you understand which services Medicare Advantage policies cover and how much premiums cost.
They must also cover the medically necessary services that traditional Medicare covers, including:
Part A (hospital insurance)
Part B (outpatient and typical “doctor’s office” insurance)
Part D (prescription drug coverage
Some policies cover additional popular services that original Medicare does not. A qualified insurance agent can help you understand which services Medicare Advantage policies cover and how much premiums cost.
Medicare Advantage Premiums
Many Medicare Advantage plans are designed to have low premiums. Some plans offer premiums equal to the Medicare Part B premium. In other words, people can enroll in Medicare Advantage for the same cost as enrolling in Part B and receive more coverage.
Furthermore, Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans (SNPs) exist for people with low incomes and those who need higher levels of care. Most people enrolled in SNPs are those who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid.
Furthermore, Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans (SNPs) exist for people with low incomes and those who need higher levels of care. Most people enrolled in SNPs are those who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid.
Medicare Advantage vs. Traditional Medicare: How to Choose
Gather the facts before choosing between Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare. That way you're more likely to make a smart choice.
Most people who are eligible for Medicare need services beyond what the program covers. In fact, 90% of the public wants the federal government to add hearing, dental, and vision care to traditional Medicare. If you want coverage for these services, then you should explore Medicare Advantage plans that include them and compare those plans’ premiums.
Our licensed and certified insurance agents can review your healthcare needs and can match you to coverage options among many different insurance companies. This helps ensure that you select the Medicare Advantage policy that makes your healthcare dollars work hardest.
Most people who are eligible for Medicare need services beyond what the program covers. In fact, 90% of the public wants the federal government to add hearing, dental, and vision care to traditional Medicare. If you want coverage for these services, then you should explore Medicare Advantage plans that include them and compare those plans’ premiums.
Our licensed and certified insurance agents can review your healthcare needs and can match you to coverage options among many different insurance companies. This helps ensure that you select the Medicare Advantage policy that makes your healthcare dollars work hardest.
FAQs About Medicare Advantage
Q: HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICARE ADVANTAGE?
A: If you are eligible for Medicare, then you are eligible for Medicare Advantage. You can sign up for Medicare Advantage starting 3 months before your 65th birthday, up to 3 months after you turn 65.
Q: WHY NOT JUST GET MEDIGAP?
A: Medigap is the right choice for some people. Medicare Advantage plans, however, take the place of Medicare Part A, Part B, and usually Part D. They also offer additional coverage that Medicare and Medigap do not offer.
Q: I’M MOST CONCERNED ABOUT DRUG PRICES? SHOULDN’T I JUST GET A PART D PLAN?
A: Most Medicare Advantage plans not only offer prescription drug coverage comparable to Part D plans, they offer extras like help with the cost of over-the-counter medications. Your insurance agent can help you find the Medicare Advantage policy with a drug formulary that covers the drugs you need.
Q: WON’T MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS JUST RAISE PREMIUMS EVERY YEAR LIKE MY CURRENT INSURANCE?
A: While this can happen, some Medicare Advantage plans have experienced drops in premiums. Medicare Advantage insurers strive to help your healthcare dollars work their hardest for you.
A: If you are eligible for Medicare, then you are eligible for Medicare Advantage. You can sign up for Medicare Advantage starting 3 months before your 65th birthday, up to 3 months after you turn 65.
Q: WHY NOT JUST GET MEDIGAP?
A: Medigap is the right choice for some people. Medicare Advantage plans, however, take the place of Medicare Part A, Part B, and usually Part D. They also offer additional coverage that Medicare and Medigap do not offer.
Q: I’M MOST CONCERNED ABOUT DRUG PRICES? SHOULDN’T I JUST GET A PART D PLAN?
A: Most Medicare Advantage plans not only offer prescription drug coverage comparable to Part D plans, they offer extras like help with the cost of over-the-counter medications. Your insurance agent can help you find the Medicare Advantage policy with a drug formulary that covers the drugs you need.
Q: WON’T MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS JUST RAISE PREMIUMS EVERY YEAR LIKE MY CURRENT INSURANCE?
A: While this can happen, some Medicare Advantage plans have experienced drops in premiums. Medicare Advantage insurers strive to help your healthcare dollars work their hardest for you.
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