Medicare provides numerous options that allow eligible individuals to choose the type of coverage that may work best for their situation. While everyone eligible for Medicare coverage can sign up for Original Medicare, including Medicare Part A for hospital insurance and Medicare Part B for medical insurance coverage, you can choose a Medicare Advantage Plan to replace Part A and Part B.
Choosing appropriate Medicare coverage can be challenging. It’s wise to work with an experienced insurance agent who can help you understand your options. Contact Schuder Insurance Agency in Mansfield, Texas, today to learn more about your Medicare Advantage choices.
What Is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage Plans—also called Medicare Part C—provide an alternative to Original Medicare. There are numerous plans to choose from, each offered by private insurers in your area.
Although multiple insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage Plans, each plan is standardized and provides the same coverage, no matter which insurer you choose. While each Medicare Advantage Plan offers the same coverage as other plans in the same category, the criteria for getting coverage may vary. Rules about how you get services and what plans charge can change each year. Some Medicare Advantage Plans may be available at no cost, while others have a monthly premium.
What Does a Medicare Advantage Plan Cover?
Medicare Advantage Plans provide coverage for the same healthcare services as Original Medicare, and each plan must follow Medicare Original’s rules about coverage.
All Medicare Advantage Plans provide coverage for urgent care and emergency services. Even with a Medicare Advantage Plan, Original Medicare may pick up some costs for hospice care, clinical research studies and some new Medicare benefits.
Most Medicare Advantage Plans include prescription drug coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans that can’t offer drug coverage like Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans or choose not to offer drug coverage like certain Private Fee-for-Service Plans allow participants to join a separate Medicare drug plan. If your Medicare Advantage Plan offers prescription drug coverage, such as a PPO or HMO plan, and you join a separate Medicare drug plan, you will be automatically returned to Original Medicare.
Depending on the Medicare Advantage Plan you choose, you may receive coverage for any of the following services not covered by Original Medicare:
- Vision care
- Dental care
- Hearing services
- Gym membership
- Transportation to doctor visits
- Health and wellness services
- Over-the-counter drugs
This list is not exhaustive, and numerous Medicare Advantage Plans offer these benefits and more. Your agent can help you understand the benefits of your Medicare Advantage Plan choices and help you evaluate your options.
Contact Us
Ready to learn more about your Medicare Advantage Plan options? Contact Schuder Insurance Agency today to get in touch with Medicare experts.
This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.