Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans?

Medicare Advantage Plans

Part C

Medicare Advantage Plans

Before we dive into Medicare Advantage Plans, let’s complete a quick summary. Original Medicare comes first. Before you can enroll into any private insurance plan, you must have Medicare. Medicare begins your healthcare cover. Medicare Parts A and B only cover your medical needs. Healthcare needs such as prescription drugs from a pharmacy or a vision test are not offered by Medicare. This is where private insurance plan step into place. Medicare Advantage plans are provided by private insurance companies to give you more benefits than Medicare offers. Most Medicare beneficiaries choose a Medicare Advantage plan to not only help with the cost associated with Original Medicare but to also receive care for additional benefits such as vision, dental, hearing, and more.

Advantage Plan

How To Choose A
Medicare Advantage Plan

As you can see, you have options when selecting a Medicare Advantage plan but how do you know it’s the right plan for you? Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan is personal as your plan selection should be based on your healthcare needs.

Here are just a few questions that will help you get started on selecting a plan.

  • Do you want to keep attending a specific healthcare provider? This important due to if your provider is in or out-of-network can affect your price for service.
  • What types of insurance is accepted at your preferred hospital?
  • Do you frequently travel out of your coverage area, or do you spend significant time at a second home? This is important as your Medicare Advantage plan may offer travel coverage or you may need a different type of plan all together. We will review this option in a different section. 
  • Do you have savings or another source of funding in the event of significant medical bills? Having money saved for healthcare expenses can be helpful for the unexpected.
  • Are all your medications covered?

Types of Plans

Common Types Of Medicare
Advantage Plans Induce

  • HMO’s or Health Maintenance Organization Pans 
  • PPO’s or Preferred Provider Organization Plans 
  • PFFS or Private Fee-For-Service Plans 
  • SNP’s or Special Needs Plans 
  • HMOPOS or HMO Point of Service Plans 
  • MMSA or Medical Savings Account

Research

Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan requires research, time, and expertise. Working with one of our licensed insurance professional to research all the options available to you, as well as address concerns specific to your situation, is still the best way to locate a Medicare policy that suits your needs and budget.

Medicare FAQ's

Got questions? We've got answers

Benefits Image

You are eligible to apply for Medicare during your initial enrollment period which is a 7 month window. 3 months before turning 65, the month you turn 65 and 3 months after turning 65. 

The easiest way to sign up for Medicare is online through SSA.gov or by Calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. You can also visit your local Social Security Office.

If you are already receiving Social Security Benefits you will be automatically enrolled into Original Medicare, otherwise you will be eligible to enroll during your initial enrollment period that starts 3 months before your 65th birthday.

If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period you can sign up during the General Enrollment period that occurs every year January 1st through March 31st. Coverage becomes effective the month following your enrollment date.

Yes, there are penalties for not signing up for Part B of Medicare and will be added to your premium.

If you need a new Medicare card you can order a replacement card by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or online at the Social Security Administration web site. Make sure you have your Medicare number ready when you call.

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Medicare has neither endorsed nor reviewed this information. Not connected or affiliated with any United States Government or State agency. 

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 14 organizations which offer 91 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.