Medicare Advantage
How do you get Medicare Advantage plans?
You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during the annual enrollment period (AEP), which runs from October 15 to December 7. During this time, you can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or from one Medicare Advantage plan to another. You can also enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during a special enrollment period (SEP) if you meet certain conditions, such as moving to a new area or losing other health coverage.
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To enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you will need to have Medicare Part A and Part B and live in the plan's service area. You are not eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan if you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
To find and compare Medicare Advantage plans in your area, please give us a call at 352-262-5398.
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It's important to keep in mind that Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies, and the availability and cost of plans can vary depending on where you live. It's a good idea to compare several plans and consider your healthcare needs and budget before making a decision.
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What is a Medicare Advantage plan?Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). They are offered by private insurance companies and provide all the same coverage as Original Medicare, as well as additional benefits such as coverage for prescription drugs, vision, and dental.
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When can I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan?You can enroll in one after you get Medicare Parts A and B. You can do this during your initial enrollment period which is three months before you turn 65 and lasts until three months after. If you don’t get one during your initial enrollment period, there is also an annual election period and an open enrollment period. The annual election period, or AEP, begins October 15 and runs through December 7 every year. The Medicare Advantage open enrollment period is from January 1 through March 31. During this time you can switch to another MA plan or disenroll and go back to Original Medicare. You may also qualify for a special election period. If you have missed your initial enrollment or AEP and are interested in adding an Advantage plan to your health coverage, you can speak to a licensed Medicare agent to see if you qualify for a special election period.
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What do Medicare Advantage plans cover?Like we said earlier, these plans take over for your Part A and B coverage. So, they’ll cover Part A benefits: inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, home health care and hospice care. They’ll also cover Part B benefits: medically necessary services and preventive services. But they’ll also come with additional benefits not covered by Parts A and B like an out-of-pocket maximum limit and: Adult day-care services Dental Fitness memberships Hearing Nutrition programs Prescription drugs Over-the-counter drugs Services and supports for those with chronic conditions Transportation to doctor visits Vision Wellness programs However, benefits your plan offers will vary based on where you live.
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Can I switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan or vice versa?Yes, you can switch between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan during the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7) or during a special enrollment period if you meet certain conditions.
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Who is eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan?To be eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan, you must: Be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B Live in the plan's service area Not have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
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How do I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan?You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7). You can also enroll during a special enrollment period if you meet certain conditions, such as moving to a new area or losing other health coverage.
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How do I find a provider who accepts my Medicare Advantage plan?Most Medicare Advantage plans have a network of providers that you can see at a lower cost. You can find a list of in-network providers on your plan's website or by calling the plan's customer service number.
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Can I see a provider outside of my plan's network?Some Medicare Advantage plans allow you to see out-of-network providers, but you may have to pay more out of pocket for these services. It's important to check with your plan to see what your options are.
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Do I still need to pay my Medicare Part B premium if I have a Medicare Advantage plan?Yes, you are still responsible for paying your Medicare Part B premium even if you have a Medicare Advantage plan.
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How do I get my prescription drugs covered with a Medicare Advantage plan?Most Medicare Advantage plans offer prescription drug coverage, but the specific drugs covered and the copayments or coinsurance you pay may vary by plan. It's important to check with your plan to see what your options are.