Medicare Advantage Plans, also called Medicare Part C, are offered by private insurance companies. To enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you first have to enroll in Part A and B of Original Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage Plans have prescription drug coverage options, so you do not need to purchase Part D. You can then approach any insurance company to browse through their Medicare Advantage options. There are multiple types of Medicare Advantage Plans, like Preferred Provider Organizations and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO). Different companies have different coverage and cost options. An agent is often helpful at this point in the process. They can help you prioritize your needs, find reputable companies, and find a plan within your budget. After you have identified the best plan for you, you enroll in that plan. You then pay an added monthly premium.
Medicare Advantage has plenty of extra benefits, but it also covers the basics of Original Medicare. Because you are required to have Parts A and B of Original Medicare, you will always be covered under Original Medicare. That means that if your Advantage Plan does not cover a service but Original Medicare does, you will still be covered by Original Medicare. You also get the additional benefits of an Advantage Plan.
For all of your Medicare Advantage questions, contact us at Proinsurance Hawaii today.
