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How Do I Qualify For A Medicare Advantage Part C Plan?  


You must have Medicare Parts A and B, and live in the plan’s service area to be eligible to join. If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, the plan will provide all of your Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage.

 

 

You can get your Medicare benefits through Original Medicare, or a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO). If you have Original Medicare, the government pays for Medicare benefits when you become eligible. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. Medicare pays these companies to cover your Medicare benefits.

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Which Medicare Advantage Plan Is Right For You?

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Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans:

In most HMOs, you can only go to doctors, other health care providers, or hospitals in the plan’s network, except in an urgent or emergency situation. You may also need to get a referral from your primary care doctor for tests or to see other doctors or specialists.

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Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans:

In a PPO, you pay less if you use doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers that belong to the plan’s network. You usually pay more if you use doctors, hospitals, and providers outside of the network.

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Private Fee For Service (PFFS) Plans

are similar to Original Medicare in that you can generally go to any doctor, other health care provider, or hospital as long as they accept the plan’s payment terms. The plan determines how much it will pay doctors, other health care providers, and hospitals, and how much you must pay when you get care.

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Special Needs Plans (SNP) Plans

provide focused and specialized health care for specific groups of people, like those who have both Medicare and Medicaid, live in a nursing home, or have certain chronic medical conditions.

Who Can Join A
Medicare Advantage Plan?

You must have Medicare Parts A and B and live in the plan’s service area to be eligible to join. People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure) generally can join a Medicare Advantage Plan.

How Much Does 
Medicare Advantage Plans Cost?

In addition to your Part B premium, you usually pay one monthly premium for the services included in a Medicare Advantage Plan. Each Medicare Advantage Plan has different premiums and costs for services, so it’s important to compare plans in your area and understand plan costs and benefits before you join. Ask to see the plans summary of benefits to know exactly what to expect for the plan year.

What Do 
Medicare Advantage Plans Cover?

  • Medicare Advantage Plans must cover all of the services that Original Medicare covers except hospice care.

  • Original Medicare covers hospice care even if you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan.

  • In all types of Medicare Advantage Plans, you’re always covered for emergency and urgent care.

  • Medicare Advantage Plans must offer emergency coverage outside of the plan’s service area (but not outside the U.S.)

  • Many Medicare Advantage Plans also offer extra benefits such as dental care, eyeglasses, or wellness programs.

  • Most Medicare Advantage Plans include PDP - Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D).

  • In addition to your Part B premium, (usually paid via your social security check) you generally pay one monthly premium for the plan’s medical and prescription drug coverage.

  • Plan benefits can change from year to year.

  • Each Plan offers a Summary of Benefits to make sure you understand how a plan works before you join.

  • Private companies offer Medicare Advantage Plans with different benefits, extras and ancillary services.  It is wise to Chose a Medicare Advantage plan that covers your medical needs and suits your budget

  • Review the Medicare Advantage Plan Evidence of Coverage for out of pocket cost and extra savings

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