If you’re on a Medicare health plan, you can take your coverage to the next level by joining a Medicare Advantage Plan. Also known as “Part C” or “MA Plans” that are offered by Medicare-approved private companies, Medicare Advantage gives you additional coverage to meet your health needs. And premiums for Part C can cost as little as $0 per month.¹ Search online today to find a low-cost Medicare Advantage Plan.
With Medicare Advantage, you get a say in your coverage. Part C is a bundled plan that can include coverage for hospital insurance, medical insurance and even prescription drugs. If you’re looking to explore options for your Medicare health plan, start an online search now.
Vitalii Vodolazskyi / ShutterstockHere’s everything seniors should know about Medicare Advantage Plans.
What’s Covered By Medicare Advantage Plans?
Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) are an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare. It’s a private health insurance alternative that’s approved by Medicare.² Medicare will pay a fixed amount for your health needs every month to the approved company offering your Part C plan, allowing seniors to get more coverage that isn’t offered on standard Medicare plans.
Part C coverage includes Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) at minimum. Seniors must enroll in Medicare Parts A and B in order to extend their coverage with a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Part A coverage includes:³
- Inpatient care
- Hospice care
- Some skilled nursing care
Part B coverage includes:⁴
- Clinical research
- Mental health
- Durable medical equipment
- Limited outpatient prescription drugs
- Ambulance transportation and other outpatient services
Medicare has combined Part A, Part B and extra services to create plans offered with Part C. You’ll enroll in Parts A and B, then choose a Medicare Advantage Plan that’s right for you and sign up with a private insurer.
Most prescriptions aren’t covered by Original Medicare, but you can get this critical coverage in your Medicare Advantage Plan by bundling prescription drug coverage (Part D). This plan provides coverage for other things not covered by Original Medicare such as vision, hearing, dental and wellness programs.
All Medicare Advantage Plans give you coverage for emergency and urgently needed care.⁵ Policyholders can tailor their coverage to meet needs for chronological illnesses, which can include benefits customized to treat those illnesses.
Some extra things your Part C plan might cover include:
- Transportation to and from doctor visits
- Over-the-counter drugs
- Adult day-care services
- Wheelchair ramps and shower grips for your home
- Meal delivery
It’s important to remember that how much you’ll pay for a Medicare Advantage Plan will vary. You might have to pay for services deemed not medically necessary under your plan, but you also have the right to appeal that decision.
How Much Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cost?
A number of factors will determine what your out-of-pocket costs will be. Some plans have monthly premiums, while others don’t. Some plans might pay for all or partial of your Part B premium. This is something you need to look into while deciding on a Part C plan.
Since the federal government works with private insurers to administer your Medicare Advantage Plan, they have contacts with a network of doctors and hospitals to work with. That’s how insurers pass premium savings onto their customers, so using the doctors and services not covered by your private insurer will cost more.
Each plan will have its own rules and charges for out-of-pocket costs. You may be responsible for a deductible and copays for covered services, or you might need a referral in order to see a specialist. You will also have to pay for the Part B premium, which has a standard cost of $144.60.⁶
Ultimately, the type of healthcare services you need will play a part in your cost. For example, it might cost more if you decide to opt for extras like transportation or prescription drugs. However, it’s possible to score a premium as low as $0 for you Medicare Advantage Plans by doing your research.⁷ You just need to compare different MA plans online to find one that’s affordable and includes the coverage you need.
Learn More About Medicare Advantage Plans Online
If you’re looking for additional coverage not offered on your current health plan, look into Medicare Advantage Plans. You can be covered for dental, vision, hearing and even tailor your plan so it covers services needed for your chronic illness.
To get a Medicare Advantage Plan, you’ll have to enroll in Part A and Part B. From there, you can start researching plans and learn more about the rules online. Private insurance companies have a network of doctors and partners that will help save you money on healthcare and there are a number of different plans to choose from.
Before choosing a plan, make sure to compare a few. This will ensure you’re getting the best amount of coverage for the best price.