• Home
  • /
  • Blog
  • /
  • Learn about Medicare Advantage Plans
February 7, 2021

The Medicare Advantage program (Part C) gives people an alternative way of receiving their Medicare benefits. The program consists of many different health plans (typically HMOs and PPOs) that are regulated by Medicare but run by private insurance companies. Plans usually charge monthly premiums (in addition to the Part B premium), although some plans in some areas are available with zero premiums.

These plans must offer the same Part A and Part B benefits that Original Medicare provides, and most plans include Part D prescription drug coverage in their benefit packages. Some plans offer extra benefits that are not included in Original Medicare, such as coverage for routine hearing, vision and dental care, and fitness programs. 

Unlike the original program, Medicare Advantage plans operate in limited geographical areas. HMOs usually require you to go to doctors and hospitals within the plan’s provider network, except in emergencies; PPOs allow you to go out of network for higher copays. For this reason, Medicare Advantage plans are not suited to people who live in more than one state during the year (sunbirds or snowbirds) or travel a lot. 

Medicare Advantage plans can change their costs (premiums, deductibles, copays) every calendar year. To be sure of getting your best deal, you can compare plans in your area during the Open Enrollment period (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7) and, if you want, switch to another one for the following year. 

To join a Medicare Advantage plan, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. The plan cannot refuse your application, regardless of your health needs, except in one circumstance: You cannot join a plan if you have kidney failure (end-stage renal disease that requires regular dialysis or a kidney transplant), but you can still receive medical care for this condition through the Original Medicare program. Medicare Advantage plans cannot charge you higher premiums, deductibles or copays on the basis of your current state of health or preexisting medical conditions.

Note that Medicare supplemental insurance (Medigap) does not work with Medicare Advantage plans, and therefore you pay any out-of-pocket expenses (copays, deductibles) yourself.

Get Help

Compare Medicare coverage options with the help of one of our agents:

Talk to us: (833) 265-9655 

Medicare brokers such as Lehigh Partners get paid by the insurance companies they represent. And you pay exactly the same rate for your insurance if you use a Medicare consultant (broker). There is no extra fee or cost for enrolling through a broker. You will never pay a fee for our help.


Find a Plan

Shop for coverage online. Safe, Secure, & Confidential

Call us

Call Lehigh Partners at 1-833-265-9655

Licensed insurance agents are available to help you through enrollment and beyond.

Need Help?

Get in touch with a licensed sales agent now by filling out the form - no obligations!

Medicare Checklist

Get Our FREE Medicare Checklist.

Download our complimentary Medicare checklist and conveniently access all the necessary information in one place, ensuring you never miss a crucial number, deadline, or date again.

Tags


Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement

Determining Your Needs.Are you a Medicare beneficiary unsure whether to choose a Medicare Supplement or a

Medicare Advantage

So, when it comes to understanding health plan costs, there are a few things you should

General Medicare information, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Part D RX Plans

Understanding Supplement, Advantage, and MoreAre you looking for reliable information on Medicare insurance options to make

Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Part D RX Plans

If you're approaching the age of 65 or have already reached that milestone, you've likely encountered

General Medicare information, Medicare Advantage

Medicare Part B covers cardiovascular screening blood tests once every five years, with no costs to

Ready to talk to an agent about your Medicare coverage?

>