What Is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, or Medicare Part C, are an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare. Private companies approved by Medicare offer you MA plans. These companies must meet the specific guidelines set by Medicare to offer coverage. MA plans provide you with the Medicare benefits of Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical). You can also join an MA Plan that includes Medicare Part D prescription drugs. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer fitness programs, vision, hearing and dental services.
How to Get Medicare Advantage Coverage
To get Medicare Advantage coverage, you can enroll:
Three months prior to your 65th birthday
The month of your 65th birthday
For three months after your 65th birthday
During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, every year from Oct 15 – Dec. 7
Why Choose an MA Plan?
What are the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage programs? Quite often, these plans provide qualified individuals with access to more benefits and features than what Original Medicare offers. They may also provide more extensive coverage that extends beyond Original Medicare, providing access to doctors, treatment centers and specialists that you may want to see or are already seeing and don’t want to lose. Because they offer more services, MA plans may cost a bit more. How much depends on what you select. (That’s another benefit: MA plans are very flexible.)
Medicare Advantage Plans include:
Low premiums that may fit well within your budget
Personalized plan structures to meet your specific goals with your care
Managed network of providers coordinated for you, taking the hassle out of the process
Access to extra benefits that Original Medicare does not offer
There are some other things to keep in mind, as well:
These plans operate on an annual contract system, which means costs and benefits may change from year to year.
Some providers may be out of network, making them more expensive to use.
Options differ in each state, which may matter for those moving or traveling often.
Some MA Plans do not include Part D coverage
Original Medicare Costs
With Original Medicare, you typically pay 20% coinsurance. Whenever you get a diagnostic test or have a hospital or ER visit, you may also have copayments.
Generally, you pay Medicare Part B monthly premiums, unless you have Medigap Plan C or Plan F. You may also have Part D drug premiums. Original Medicare has no maximum out-of-pocket limit, unless you have Medigap Plans K or L.
What Are Medicare Advantage Costs?
Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans have fixed copays for doctor visits and medical services. MA plans do not have coinsurance.
Furthermore, you must pay Medicare Part B premiums as well as your MA plan premiums. Most Medicare beneficiaries with an MA plan have prescription drug coverage. Your maximum out-of-pocket limit in 2024 is $8,850.
Discover more differences between MA plans and Original Medicare.
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