Medicare Coverage Information

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What is a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by private insurance companies. Medicare Advantage plans offer the same rights and protections and, at a minimum, the same benefits as original Medicare offers. Often, they include prescription drug coverage.

Why Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan?

There are a many of benefits to enrolling in Medicare Advantage. For example, Medicare Advantage plans often:

  • Offer additional services, such as prescription drug coverage, vision, dental, hearing, memberships to health and wellness programs, and other benefits not provided by traditional Medicare
  • Focus on wellness and improved health outcomes
  • Have defined annual out-of-pocket limits for medical care
  • In all cases, eliminate the need for Medicare supplemental (or Medigap) plans, which typically cover “gaps” in original Medicare, such as co-payments and deductibles

Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative to original Medicare coverage. They include all the benefits of original Medicare with additional benefits.

Who Can Join a Medicare Advantage Plan?

If you are enrolled in original Medicare, you can join a Medicare Advantage plan offered in your service area, even if you have a pre-existing condition. If you are turning 65, you have a seven-month window to join, starting three months before your birth month.

What If I have a Medi gap policy or supplement plan can I choose a Medicare Advantage plan?

If you have a supplemental policy and join a Medicare Advantage Plan you may want to contact your insurer to see if you should drop your supplemental policy. Supplemental policies can’t be used to pay Medicare Advantage plan copayments, deductibles or premiums. If you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, you do not need a supplemental policy, and no one should sell you one.

When Can I Join or Change My Medicare Advantage Plan?

Medicare Advantage plans are regulated by the same enrollment regulations as original Medicare. In most cases, people join a plan during open enrollment in the fall and are enrolled in a plan for the calendar year. If you are turning 65, you have a seven-month window that starts three months before your birth month.

Events iconMedicare Checklist

Eligibility

Use this checklist to get ready for enrollment.

Turning 65?

7 to 9 months before your 65th birthday

  • Contact Social Security Administration to confirm your Medicare eligibility benefits: 1-800-772-1213.
  • Review your current health insurance coverage to see what happens after you turn 65.

4 to 6 months before your 65th birthday

  • Check with your doctor to see if he or she accepts the Medicare plan you are considering. Visit our website for a complete list of plans in your area.

1 to 3 months before your 65th birthday

  • Enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B.
  • Consider Medicare Advantage.

Are you over 65 and still on an employer sponsored health plan?

Get ready for open enrollment in the fall.

  • Contact our Medicare help line at 844-992-1260 to get in contact with local agent that can help you avoid costly penalties for not enrolling in time. 
  • Consider Medicare Advantage.
  • Check with your doctor to see if he or she accepts the Medicare plan you are considering. Visit our website for a complete list of plans in your area. 

Free information is available from Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE, or visit www.medicare.gov, click on the button "Sign Up/Change Plans" and select "About Medicare Health Plans."

To enroll in Medicare Advantage, contact the plans directly or work with any licensed Medicare agent. We can help, call our help line at 844-992-1260.

Screening Prevention iconMedicare Terms

Coverage Options

  • Part A: Original Medicare – Hospital, skilled nursing, hospice and some home health (inpatient)
  • Part B: Original Medicare – Clinical services (outpatient)
  • Part C: Medicare Advantage plans (includes at least the same services as Parts A & B)
  • Part D: Prescription drug coverage

Watch this short video explaining the differences between Parts A, B, C, D and Medicare Supplement Plans. 

 

Watch this short video explaining the $0 monthly premium Medicare Advantage plans.