Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)

Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies. These plans combine Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) and often include additional benefits like prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing care.

• Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers and often include extra benefits.

• Most plans use provider networks (HMO, PPO), while Original Medicare allows you to see any doctor that accepts Medicare.

• Many Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage (Part D), whereas Original Medicare requires a separate Part D plan. 

Medicare Advantage must provide at least the same coverage as Original Medicare (Part A & Part B), but many plans may offer:

• Prescription drug coverage (Part D)

• Dental, vision, and hearing benefits

• Wellness programs (gym memberships, transportation, etc.)

• Telehealth and home care services

Costs and availability vary by plan and location, but you may pay:

• A monthly premium (some plans have a $0 premium)

• Copays and coinsurance for doctor visits and services

• A maximum out-of-pocket limit, which helps protect against high costs

It depends on the plan type:

• HMO plans require you to use in-network doctors and get referrals for specialists.

• PPO plans allow you to see out-of-network providers but at a higher cost.

You can enroll or switch plans during:

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) – When you first become eligible for Medicare.

• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) (Oct 15 – Dec 7) – Change or switch plans.

• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan 1 – Mar 31) – Switch Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare.

Yes! 

You can switch during Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan 1 – Mar 31) or Annual Enrollment (Oct 15 – Dec 7). If switching back, consider adding a Medigap plan for extra coverage.

Consider:

• Doctor & hospital networks – Ensure your providers accept the plan.
• Prescription drug coverage – Check if your medications are included.
• Extra benefits – Look for dental, vision, hearing, and wellness perks.
• Out-of-pocket costs – Compare premiums, copays, and max out-of-pocket limits.

At Core Coverage Group, we help you compare Medicare Advantage plans to find the best fit for your healthcare needs and budget.