Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is a Medicare policy sold through private insurers. Its benefits are more comprehensive compared to Part A, Part B, and Part D. In fact, it’s more accurate to describe it as a combination of Medicare’s other plans molded into one policy.
What Must All Medicare Advantage Plans Cover?
Medicare Advantage plans are legally required to offer at least the same coverage as Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare). And they also have features beyond what Original Medicare can provide.
What Does Medicare Advantage Have That Other Medicare Plans Don’t?
Aside from including inpatient and outpatient coverage within the same plan, certain Medicare Advantage plans also include coverage for prescription medications.
Medicare Advantage also covers dental, vision, and hearing services, which are not covered under Original Medicare. With Medicare Advantage, you won’t have to pay all costs for these services like you would with Original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage also expands Part B’s medical transportation coverage. Under Original Medicare, Part B only covers emergency transport to hospitals. Medicare Advantage, on the other hand, covers transportation to routine medical appointments.
You may also get wellness-related benefits such as gym memberships and nutrition programs. Medicare Advantage can also allow you to get coverage for over-the-counter medications.
As for your treatment costs, some Medicare Advantage plans will allow you to save more for seeing specific healthcare providers within your plan’s provider network. Each plan is unique, which is why Medicare Advantage is praised for its diverse selection.
How Can I Get Medicare Advantage?
In order to receive the special benefits Medicare Advantage offers, you’ll need to be enrolled in Original Medicare first. You’ll be able to join Medicare Advantage during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP; also referred to as Annual Enrollment), which is from October 15 to December 7.
Or if you’re newly eligible for Medicare, you can join a Medicare Advantage plan during the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which starts three months before you turn 65 and ends three months after you turn 65.
However, despite enrolling in Medicare Advantage, you’ll still need to have Medicare Part A and Part B and pay their premiums. You won’t be able to drop your Part A and Part B coverage entirely.
Get The Medicare Advantage Plan That’s Right For You
We at Peritia Advisors are here to bring you the Medicare policy that fits your needs so that your healthcare will cost less than ever before. You’ll have many choices, and we will provide our guidance to get you the best plan available. Call us today at (319) 841-2010 to learn more about Medicare Advantage.
