Medicare Advantage (Part C)

If you are worried about the high cost of copays and services that are not routinely covered by Medicare Part A and B, you should consider a Medicare Advantage Plan.

The advisors at Your Health Insurance Shop can help determine what is best for you based on your income, plans for the future like traveling out of state or the country, and health care needs.

Medicare Advantage plans, also known as "Part C" are health plans offered by private insurance companies approved through Medicare. Like Medicare, eligibility for Part C typically begins when you are first eligible for Medicare or during the Annual Election Period.

The big "advantage" of these plans is that they go beyond covering just hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B). Depending on the plan, they may also cover services such as vision, hearing, and dental. They often include Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) and may also offer health and wellness programs.

Since each Medicare Advantage plan can be different, you need to carefully review the out-of-pocket costs and rules of the plan in which you are interested.

At Your Health Insurance Shop, our experienced staff assists you in selecting the right plan for your budget and situation. Contact us today to learn more.

Types of Medicare Advantage Plans

• Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans
• Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans
• Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) Plans
• Special Needs Plans (SNP)
       -Chronic Needs Special Needs Plan (C-SNP)
       -Dual Eligibility Special Needs Plan (D-SNP)

Is a Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?

• In addition to your Medicare Part B premium, you pay an additional monthly premium to your insurance company for your Medicare Advantage Plan.
• Your out-of-pocket costs depend on the plan chosen, as different plans may have additional deductibles and co-payments
• Enrollment is only available during your initial enrollment into Medicare or annual open enrollment (Oct 15-Dec 7 each year, there are some exceptions with Special Needs Plans)
• Each Medicare Advantage plan may have its own rules, such as requiring a referral to see a specialist or prior approval for certain procedures
• With few exceptions, you can join a Medicare Advantage Plan even if you have a preexisting condition
• Out-of-Network services may not be covered, or could cost more, depending on the plan you choose

Your Health Insurance Shop advisors can help you determine if a Medicare Advantage Plan is right for you. Contact us today.

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