Medicare Advantage

Why Choose Medicare Advantage Over Basic Medicare?

Choosing Medicare Advantage over basic Medicare offers several benefits that can significantly enhance your healthcare experience. Medicare Advantage Plans are comprehensive health plans offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They provide all the benefits of Original Medicare (Parts A and B), often including additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage, vision, dental, hearing, and wellness programs. We believe it's essential for our clients to understand the advantages of Medicare Advantage Plans.

Here's why Medicare Advantage plans might be the right choice for you:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Unlike basic Medicare, Medicare Part C includes additional services like vision, dental, and hearing care. This expanded coverage means fewer out-of-pocket costs and more convenience for your healthcare needs.
• Prescription Drug Plans: Many Medicare Advantage plans include Medicare Part D , covering prescription drugs. This integration simplifies your coverage and often results in cost savings.
• Network Flexibility: While traditional Medicare requires you to stick to a specific network, Medicare Part C offers broader network options. This flexibility helps ensure you receive the care you need from your preferred providers.
• Cost Predictability: With Medicare Part C, you benefit from predictable costs, including fixed copayments and out-of-pocket maximums. This predictability can help you manage your healthcare budget more effectively.
• Additional Benefits: Many Medicare Advantage plans offer perks like gym memberships and wellness programs, promoting a healthier lifestyle. These added benefits are designed to enhance your overall well-being.

Our Clinton insurance agency is committed to providing personalized support to help you understand these benefits. As you consider your options, remember that our certified insurance professionals are here to help you explore Medicare insurance. We offer Zoom appointments to ensure you receive the guidance you need, no matter where you are.

Features of Medicare Advantage Plans

We aim to make it easy for you to decide on Medicare Advantage Plans.

• Comprehensive Coverage: Medicare Advantage Plans typically offer coverage for hospital stays ( Part A ) and medical services ( Part B ), often with additional benefits beyond what Original Medicare provides.
• Prescription Drug Coverage: Many Medicare Advantage Plans include prescription drug coverage (Part D), so you can get all your healthcare needs managed through one plan.
• Additional Benefits: Some Medicare Advantage Plans cover services not covered by Original Medicare, such as vision, dental, hearing, and wellness programs like gym memberships.
• Managed Care Options: Medicare Advantage Plans often operate as Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) or Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), which may offer cost-saving measures like network restrictions and referrals.

To enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and B and live in the plan's service area. You also cannot have end-stage renal disease (with some exceptions), as this typically disqualifies you from enrolling in most Medicare Advantage Plans.

Enrollment Information

• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): You can typically enroll in or make changes to your Medicare Advantage Plan during the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year.
• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): If you're newly eligible for Medicare, you have an Initial Enrollment Period when you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan. This period starts three months before your 65th birthday month, includes your birthday month, and extends for three months after.
• Special Enrollment Period (SEP): Certain life events, such as moving to a new area or losing other medical covers, may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period outside the usual enrollment periods.