Medicare Advantage plans are a type of Medicare coverage that helps seniors pay for medical expenses to make them more affordable. Some people like them because they are a great alternative to Original Medicare, which can be overwhelming and confusing. They offer benefits like dental and vision care. When choosing any insurance under this plan, you get many options you must be aware of.
When considering various Medicare Advantage plans, it is essential to consider some key factors when comparing them. Knowing what types of benefits these different options provide can help you decide the best fit for your needs.
In-Network or Out-of-Network
- With Medicare Advantage plans, you can choose from two types of coverage.
- In out-of-network plans, your healthcare providers outside the plan’s network will not be covered. With in-network coverage, you have access to a broader range of doctors.
- You should review the list of providers under each plan to determine which type is best for you.
Prescription Coverage
Many plans will have different amounts of coverage for prescription drugs depending on which tier the drug falls under. Read through the information to determine if you need a plan with the most coverage or a high deductible. If you already have prescription medications, you may want to change your plan to get more for your money.
Coverage Amounts
When looking at various Medicare Advantage plans, make sure also to compare their levels of coverage. Some plans have lower deductibles than others. A larger deductible may mean more coverage, but it might not be the best idea for seniors on a fixed income. Be sure to review all of the information before making your decision.
Part D
- Many Medicare Advantage plans require that you take your Part D through their plan.
- It may seem like a benefit, but it could be a disadvantage if you already have medications for conditions that aren’t covered by their plan or if your medications are costly.
- You may want to compare the coverage you currently have to make a better decision about changing plans.
Cost
Be sure to check out the total cost of each plan before making your decision. You can determine costs by looking at what each plan charges for premiums and their copay amounts. Original Medicare requires that you pay $96 or less in annual deductibles and prescriptions. Still, many Medicare Advantage plans charge more than this before they start covering 100 per cent of your medical bills.
Dental and Vision Coverage
Some Medicare Advantage plans have different levels of coverage regarding vision and dental care. These benefits can be significant for seniors, especially if they already have health issues resulting from their vision or hearing loss. If you need coverage for these items, read over the plan’s details before choosing a specific plan.
Facility Visits
- Most Medicare Advantage Plans provide a certain level of care in their network hospitals that you can use anytime.
- If you need to go to a hospital outside of their network, then you may want to look at your plan’s coverage.
- Some plans will work with out-of-network providers, while others won’t. Therefore, you may want to ensure that the plan you are considering works with all types of facilities before deciding on one.
Outpatient Coverage
All Medicare Advantage plans do not provide outpatient coverage. If you need many services outside of your annual checkups and preventative care, you may not want to choose a plan that doesn’t cover these areas. Make sure that the plan you choose will help pay for any non-emergency services you may need so that, you don’t face any major problem
Drug Coverage
Some Medicare Advantage plans choose to cover some prescriptions but not others. Some will cover prescription medications, while others will not. If you are taking a specific medication that you need to be covered by your insurance, ensure that it is included in the list of drugs covered by your plan before signing up. Be sure to read all of the information about each plan to make sure that you are getting the coverage that you need.
Special Programs
- Some Medicare Advantage Plans offer coverage for prescription medications for HIV or other conditions.
- Some of these plans even have a sliding scale based on your income and how much you earn per year.
- Suppose you don’t have prescription coverage through Original Medicare. In that case, a Medicare Advantage Plan may be the perfect way to get it through a private company, which is less expensive than Original Medicare.
Prescription Discounts
Many Medicare Advantage plans use a discount card to help members save money on their medications. You can find these cards at many pharmacies and use them to receive discounts on your prescriptions. Look at the different plans that are available and see how much money you might be able to save on your prescriptions with each one. It will help you to know more about the various plans and will also help you get the best plan with great advantages included.
Hospitalization
- Some Medicare Advantage plans allow you to be hospitalized outside the plan’s network. Others will ask you to check with them before checking into a hospital, and some will not cover any hospitalizations.
- Review each plan’s details before deciding so you can determine if this is an essential feature.
- Always look over your choices carefully and ensure that you are fully informed about how your plan works.
Conclusion
Each Medicare Advantage Plan has its strengths and benefits. Some plans have low premiums, while others give higher coverage. Some have low deductibles, while others have high ones. Some even offer drug discounts, while others don’t. Your choice will depend on how your health situation affects you and your family, how much you are currently paying for Medicare, and how much you can afford each year for healthcare coverage.
