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Medicare Advantage
Medicare Supplement
Eligibility
Must have part a and B of original Medicare must live in plan service area excepts all eligible applicants other than those with end-stage renal disease.
Must have part ANB of original Medicare. Enrollment is guaranteed during your open enrollment. Or if you qualify for other guaranteed issue rights. Signing up outside of open enrollment or guaranteed issue. Means that companies are allowed to use medical underwriting to determine whether to except your application and the premium amount you will be charged. Generally Medigap open enrollment period is a six-month window that begins the month you enroll into Medicare part B.
Costs
Plan costs will vary based on where you live. Typically Advantage plan premiums are much lower than supplement insurance premiums. Most plans include co-pays deductibles coinsurance and a maximum out-of-pocket amount.
Premiums may vary due to age gender tobacco use and health (if you are not in a guaranteed issue or open enrollment period). Premium for the same plan may vary from company to company. Generally there are no copayment costs (determined by the plan you select) from Medicare covered services at the time of service.
Network & Provider Choice
Most plans will include networks of hospitals, doctors, and providers. It is always important to make sure the plan you are in rolling into covers your current providers and facilities.
You can go to any doctor or health care provider nationwide that excepts original Medicare. Some Medicare Select plans might require you to use a doctor in the Plans network.
Prescription Drug Coverage
Many Medicare advantage plans include prescription drug coverage. Standalone Medicare advantage plans are available for those with other qualifying drug coverage.
Drug coverage can no longer be included in a Medicare supplement policy sold today. Most people who choose supplement policies elect to take a standalone part D prescription drug plan in addition to their supplement plan.
Do Benefits change? Is the plan Renewable?
Plan benefits and networks can change yearly. You are able to change coverage yearly during the Annual Election Period. You will usually be automatically re-enrolled in your plan each year unless you choose to disenroll or switch your coverage.
Supplement plans are guaranteed renewable as long as you pay the premiums. There is no Annual Election Period for Medigap plans which means you are able to switch coverage at any time during the year. Coverage changes made after your initial enrollment usually require medical underwriting.
Extra Benefits
Some plans will include extra benefits such as vision, dental, hearing, gym memberships, and more.
Some plans include benefits for coverage while traveling outside the USA.
Which plan is right for me?
If you value a low monthly premium. Health and prescription drug coverage combined can help simplify your coverage.
If you value the option to see any provider that excepts original Medicare nationwide. If you travel frequently or have a second home in a different state. If you value a predictable healthcare budget. May save money for those people needing high cost or frequent care.