Combined Comprehensive Coverage
Individual, Private Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an all-in-one alternative way to receive your Original Medicare (Parts A & B) benefits. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare, providing your Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) coverage, and often include additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare.
Why Should You Consider a Medicare Advantage Plan?
These plans often feature low monthly premiums (some even $0), defined cost-sharing which can change year-to-year, and may include prescription drug coverage (Part D) and extra benefits like dental, vision, or gym memberships. They offer a comprehensive way to manage your healthcare, within a provider network.
What Medicare Advantage Plans Can Offer:
All-in-One Coverage: Required to cover everything Original Medicare covers
Part D Prescription Drugs: Most plans include built-in prescription drug coverage
Extra Benefits: Commonly covers routine dental, vision, hearing, and wellness programs
Defined Out-of-Pocket Limits: Plans include an annual limit on what you pay for covered services, protecting you from high costs
Network Structure: Plans typically use provider networks (HMOs or PPOs), which may limit you to specific doctors or hospitals
When to Enroll in Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage plans must be enrolled in during specific enrollment periods throughout the year. Your timing matters immensely when enrolling in an MA plan:
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This is the first time you can enroll in an MA plan. It aligns with your Original Medicare IEP, starting three months before the month you turn 65 and ending three months after your birthday month
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): This is the time when most changes are made. It runs from October 15th through December 7th each year. During the AEP, you can join, switch, or drop an MA plan, and coverage starts on January 1st of the following year
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): If you are already enrolled in an MA plan, you can switch to a different MA plan or switch back to Original Medicare (and add a Part D plan) from January 1st through March 31st
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): These are times outside of the standard windows that allow enrollment due to specific life events, such as moving, losing current coverage, or qualifying for Extra Help
Finding the right Medicare Advantage plan for your needs is easy. Speak with an Independent Licensed Agent to compare local options designed to fit your budget and healthcare needs.
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IMPORTANT MEDICARE DISCLOSURE
We are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. The information disclosed here is not to be considered exhaustive. For complete Medicare information, utilize official sources. Visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. You can also call your local State Health Insurance Program or visit Shiphelp.org. For enrolling in Parts A and B, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit SSA.gov.