Medicare Advantage Plan
Medicare Advantage plan or Original Medicare?
A Medicare Advantage plan, also known as Part C, is available through private insurance companies that are approved by Medicare. When you purchase a Medicare Advantage plan, you still have Medicare. (Medicare Advantage plans are not a supplement.)
Medicare Advantage plans tend to package several parts into one plan. For example, a Medicare Advantage plan includes Part A (hospital coverage), Part B (medical coverage), and sometimes even Part D (prescriptions). It covers emergency services and urgent care visits, but not hospice care. All hospice care services are covered by Original Medicare, even if you are in a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Some Medicare Advantage plans have features that many people find attractive, such as:
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Dental
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Hearing
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Vision
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Health & Wellness programs
Types of Medicare Advantage plans:
HMO - Health Maintenance Organization Plans
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Plan provides a list of doctors, other health care providers, and hospitals
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You choose a primary care physician from the list provided
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Referrals from you primary care physician may be needed to see a specialist (except in an emergency)
PPO - Preferred Provider Organization Plans
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Plan contracts with a network of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers
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In-Network providers cost less
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Out-of-Network providers cost more
PFFS - Private Fee-for-Service Plans
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Do not need a primary care physician
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Do not need referrals to see a specialist
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May or may not have in-network and out-of-network providers, depending on the plan
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Your provider can choose at every visit whether or not to accept your plan's terms and conditions of payment.
SNPs - Special Needs Plans
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Click HERE to see if you qualify for a Medicare SNP.
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SNPs cover the same Medicare services that all Medicare Advantage plans must cover.
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SNPs may also cover extra services tailored to the special groups they serve, like extra days in the hospital.
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Some SNPs offer a case coordinator to help you stay healthy.
There are many Medicare Advantage plans available in the marketplace. We are happy to review your needs and help you find a plan that is right for you. We work with all of the major carriers to present you with an unbiased, personalized recommendation. Call us today to schedule your customized review.