Are you or a loved one turning 65 soon and trying to understand what a Medicare Advantage Plan is? These plans are offered by private insurance companies and provide an alternative way to get your Medicare Part A, B, and sometimes Part D benefits. In this article, we will explain how these plans work and why they might be right for you. Read on to learn more about what’s covered under Medicare Advantage Plans.
What Is Covered Under Medicare Advantage Plans?
Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for many services that your traditional Original Medicare does not cover. Some of the most common services include vision care, hearing aids, dental care, wellness programs, prescription drug coverage (Part D), transportation services to medical appointments, health club memberships, over-the-counter medications (OTC), and home health care services. It is important to note that each plan is different in terms of its exact coverage so it’s best to read the plan documents carefully before enrolling in one.
How Do I Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan?
Medicare Advantage plans can be purchased directly from the insurance company or through a licensed agent/broker. If you choose to purchase through an agent/broker make sure they are licensed with the Department of Insurance in your state as well as certified with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Once you have chosen your plan you will need to fill out an application form and submit it along with any necessary supporting documentation such as proof of identity or proof of address. After submitting your application form you may be asked by the insurance company to provide additional information before they can process it. Once approved, your new plan will start on the first day of the month after you applied.
How Does It Work?
When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you will still be enrolled in Original Medicare Parts A and B. You will also be enrolled in the private insurance company’s plan. This means that when you receive medical care from an approved provider under the plan’s network of providers, the private insurance company will pay for your medical bills instead of Original Medicare. The private insurance company will then bill Original Medicare for any remaining charges after your deductible has been met. The amount that Original Medicare pays depends on how much of your bill was covered by the private insurance company.
Is It Right For Me?
Whether or not a Medicare Advantage Plan is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as costs (premiums, deductibles), coverage (what is covered vs what isn’t), doctor networks (are my current doctors accepting new patients under this plan?), prescription drugs (is my medication covered under this plan?), travel coverage (am I covered if I travel outside of my home state?), etc when making your decision. Ultimately it comes down to what makes the most sense for your situation financially as well as medically.
Conclusion:
As we have seen here today, there are many advantages associated with enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan including access to additional benefits such as vision care, hearing aids and dental care that Original Medicare does not cover. However it is important to remember that each plan is different in terms of its exact coverage so make sure you read all the details carefully before making a decision. With this knowledge you should now have enough information available to make an informed decision about whether or not enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan is right for you or your loved ones.