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Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are health plans offered by private insurers that provide the same coverage as parts A and B of Original Medicare. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan most of your Original Medicare health services will be provided by and managed by your plan.

How do Medicare Advantage Plans work?

Health Insurance Companies contract with Medicare to provide your Original Medicare Benefits. You must be enrolled in both parts A and B of Medicare and you’ll continue to pay your part B premium in addition to any Medicare Advantage Premium.

What do Medicare Advantage Plans cover?

Medicare Advantage plans provide coverage equal to Part A and Part B of Original Medicare, however, your hospice care will stay covered through Original Medicare Part A even you if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan. In addition to providing the same coverage as Original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage plan may provide additional benefits such as dental and vision care. Most Medicare Advantage Plans also provide coverage for prescription drugs (Medicare Part D). If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan with Prescription Drug coverage you will not need to buy an additional Part D plan.

KEY FACT: Even if you choose a Medicare Advantage plan you’ll still have all the protection offered by Original Medicare.

There are several types of Medicare Advantage plans available:

HMO

Health Maintenance Organizations

Health Maintenance Organizations, known as HMOs, generally require you to get your care through a network of providers and you’ll usually need a referral from your PCP to see a specialist. They offer affordable premiums and out of pocket costs that are generally lower than PPO and POS plans.

PPO

Preferred Provider Organizations

Preferred Provider Organizations, known as PPOs, are similar to HMO plans in that they offer a network of preferred providers. However, you may see providers outside of the plan’s network but you’ll be responsible for a higher percentage of the costs. You will often not need a referral to see a specialist. The increased provider choice offered by PPO plans means that they are generally more expensive than HMO plans and will most likely result in an increased out-of-pocket expense to the insured.

POS

Point of Service Plans

Point of Service Plans are also similar to an HMO plan in that you’ll generally be required to get your care from providers in your network. Depending on the plan you may be able to see providers outside of your network but you will be responsible for more of the costs. You may also need a referral to see a specialist.

PFFS

Private Fee for Service

Private Fee for Service Plans (PFFS) are very flexible in that you generally don’t need to use a set network of providers and you likely won’t need to get a referral for specialist care. However, changes to Medicare law meant that some PFFS plans had to create provider networks so it’s important to check a plan’s rules before enrolling to ensure that it’s a good fit for your needs.

HMO
POS

Health Maintenance Organization – Point Of Service

HMO – POS Plans are a combination of HMO plans and POS plans. Although you’ll pay a lower amount of the costs if you choose to get care from providers in your network you will still be able to get care from non-network providers.

MSAP

Medical Savings Account Plan

MSAs are high deductible health plans with an attached bank account. Medicare deposits a tax-free lump sum into your account, which you can then use to pay your Medical bills. The amount may not equal the deductible of the plan so you may still be responsible for some of your healthcare expenses throughout the year.

How much does a Medicare Advantage Plan cost?

Medicare Advantage plans may start at a $0 monthly premium but the costs vary from plan to plan. You’ll pay a higher premium for plans that offer lower copays/coinsurance, deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket costs. You may pay a higher premium for plans with more provider choice, for example a HMO plan with a limited network of providers may be cheaper than a PPO plan with a broad network. Plans are available for all budgets, helping you find the right balance of cost and coverage.

Why choose a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Medicare Advantage Plans can offer additional benefits to those provided by your Original Medicare coverage, such as prescription drug coverage, dental, and vision care. They may also offer lower copays, a lower deductible, and a maximum out-of-pocket limit (unlike Original Medicare that has no limit). These help offer extra protection from high-unexpected medical bills. You’ll also be able to choose from multiple plans offered by insurance companies in your area so you can find a plan that provides the best combination of premium cost and coverage to fit your lifestyle.

Who’s eligible for a Medicare Advantage Plan?

If you’re enrolled in both Part A and Part B of Original Medicare you’re eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. To qualify for Original Medicare you must be 65 or over and have earned the right to receive Medicare through paying Medicare taxes for at least 10 years and a U.S. citizen or lived in the U.S. for 5 years if a legal immigrant. Original Medicare is also available to people who have been receiving SSDI payments (Social Security Disability Income) for 24 months.

When can I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan?

You’ll first be able to enroll In Medicare Advantage:

When you’re about to turn 65. You can enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). You’re IEP—which lasts for 7 months—begins three months before your birth month, includes your month of birth and continues for three months after your birth month.

7 month Initial Enrollment Period

*Signing up for Parts A and B during months 5-7 may result in delayed coverage.

Or
When you’ve been on Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) for nearly 2 years. You’ll qualify to receive Medicare when you’ve been receiving SSDI payments for 25 months, however you don’t need to wait until then to enroll! Your 7 month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) will begin 3 months before the 25th month. So for example, if your 25th month is April, your IEP will begin in January and run until the end of July.

You’ll then have a yearly chance to enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan, or change plans:

During the Annual Election Period. If you’re already enrolled in Part A and Part B of Medicare and want to Enroll in a Part C plan, or you already have a Part C (Medicare Advantage) Plan you’ll be able to choose your new coverage option between October 15th and December 7th each year.

The Medicare Annual Election Period is Now Open
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October 15, 2021

In some circumstances you’ll be able to enroll in Medicare Advantage outside of your Initial Enrollment Period and Annual Election Period:

If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period to enroll in Original Medicare you’ll be given a chance to enroll during the Part B General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1st to March 31st. If you enroll in Part B for the first time during the Part B General Enrollment Period, you will then be given an extra opportunity to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan between April 1st and June 30th, as long as you are enrolled in both Part A and Part B of original Medicare,
Or
If you experience a qualifying life event: You’ll be granted a Special Enrollment Period. Special Enrollment Period qualifying life events include life changes such as moving to a new address, returning to the US after living abroad, moving into of out of a managed care facility, leaving incarceration, and many others.

KEY FACT: After your Initial Enrollment Period you’ll only have one opportunity per year to change plans unless you experience a qualifying life event.

What if I don’t like my Medicare Advantage Plan?

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 through March 31. During this period a beneficiary can do the following:

If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage), switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage).
Disenroll from your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare. If you choose to do so, you’ll be able to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
If you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan during your Initial Enrollment Period, change to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) or go back to Original Medicare (with or without a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan) within the first 3 months you have Medicare.

A beneficiary CANNOT:

Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan if you’re in Original Medicare.
Switch from one Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to another if you’re in Original Medicare.

How do I learn more about Medicare plans?

Call a licensed insurance agent (866) 309-0958 TTY: 711 Mon-Fri, 8AM - 8PM ET Sat-Sun, Closed

Request more information online now

Resources

Get your questions answered by using our helpful Medicare tools and resources.

Disclaimers: Outside of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, members can enroll in a plan only if they meet certain criteria. A licensed insurance agent can help you determine whether you are eligible. Plan availability varies by region and state. Callers will be directed to a licensed insurance agent with a third-party partner of Medicarematchup.com who can provide more information about Medicare Advantage plans offered by one or several Medicare-contracted carrier(s). Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed the information contained in this advertisement. Not connected with, or endorsed by, the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This information is not a complete description of benefits. For a complete listing of Medicare plans, please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or consult www.medicare.gov.