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.) 

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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.

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Some Medicare Advantage plans have features that many people find attractive, such as:

• Dental

• Hearing

• Vision

• Health & Wellness programs

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Types of Medicare Advantage plans:

 

HMO - Health Maintenance Organization Plans 

• Plan provides a list of doctors, other health care providers, and hospitals

• You choose a primary care physician from the list provided

• Referrals from your primary care physician may be needed to see a specialist (except in an emergency)

 

PPO - Preferred Provider Organization Plans

• Plan contracts with a network of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers

• In-Network providers cost less

• Out-of-Network providers cost more

 

PFFS - Private Fee-for-Service Plans

• Do not need a primary care physician

• Do not need referrals to see a specialist

• May or may not have in-network and out-of-network providers, depending on the plan

• Your provider can choose at every visit whether or not to accept your plan's terms and conditions of payment.

 

SNPs - Special Needs Plans

• Click HERE to see if you qualify for a Medicare SNP.

• SNPs cover the same Medicare services that all Medicare Advantage plans must cover.  

• SNPs may also cover extra services tailored to the special groups they serve, like extra days in the hospital.

• 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. Click the link below or call us today to schedule your customized review. We help you find a plan that is right for you.