Medicare Advantage Plans
- These plans are offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies and these plans are also called Part C. Most plans do contain Part D drug coverage.
- To be eligible to obtain one of these plans, you must have both Parts of Medicare, A & B. Also, you must live in the plans service area, the service area is the county in which you live. These plans function on a calendar year beginning January 1st and ending December 31st.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans may have a $0 monthly premium, while others may have a higher premium. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premiums. Copays and coinsurance for each medical service vary among insurance companies and may change each year.
- These plans do contain an annual “maximum out of pocket” which provides a financial safety net for your in-network medical costs.
- The Medicare Advantage company will send you an insurance card. You will use that card, not your red, white, and blue, Medicare card, to obtain your medical and prescription coverage through the plan.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans may require you to choose a primary care physician from within their network.
- All plans are required to offer nationwide coverage for emergency care, urgent care and renal dialysis. So, if you are traveling outside of your service area and need to go to the emergency room, you will have access to care across the nation.
- These plans may include some coverage and services that are not covered by Original Medicare. For example, you may have some coverage for visions, hearing, and dental care.