A Medicare advantage plan, like an HMO or PPO, is a health plan choice you have as part of Medicare. Medicare advantage plans, sometimes called “part c” are offered by private companies & approved by Medicare. If you join a Medicare advantage plan you still have Medicare, however you’ll get your “PART A” and “PART B” coverage from the advantage plan — not Medicare.In all types of Medicare advantage plans, you’re always covered for emergency and urgent care. Advantage plans must cover all of the services that original Medicare covers except hospice care and some care in qualifying clinical research studies. These services will continue to be covered by original Medicare even though you have an advantage plan. In addition, these advantage plans may offer extra coverage, like vision, hearing, dental and / or health and wellness programs.
Most of these plans include prescription drug coverage, “PART D”. You will continue to pay your “PART B” premium, and in addition you may pay a monthly premium for the advantage plan.
Medicare advantage plans must follow Medicare’s rules. Medicare pays a fixed amount for your care every month to the companies offering your advantage plan. Each advantage plan can charge different out-of-pocket costs and have different rules for how you get services. Plan rules can change each year and they must notify you of any changes before the annual election period.
Plans are offered by county and / or the zip code you reside. This is determined by the address social security has for you. If you move out of the area, you may need to change your advantage plan. You will be able to do this with a special election period that Medicare offers you.
To get additional information on advantage plans in general or which plans are available in your area please call me directly or send me an e mail requesting that i call you to discuss your individual situation.