Privileged

A Medicare Advantage Plan is a health plan that typically covers both health care and prescription drug coverage through the plan. To Medicare Advantage plans are usually more expansive and provide more coverage options than traditional Medicare plans.

To qualify for a Medicare Advantage plan you will need to be covered by Medicare part A and Part B. In most instances you do not need to do anything to start receiving Part A or part B benefits. If you receive social security and or railroad benefits you will receive a Medicare card in the mail 3 months prior to your 65^th birthday or after 24 months of disability. Only if you are still working or not receiving SSI will you need to apply.

Medicare Advantage plans are approved Medicare plans that are provided by private health insurers. The insurers must follow set Medicare rules and you will receive all of your care through your selected plan. The most common types of MA Plans are.

Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO)
Medicare Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO)

Medicare Advantage Plans must cover all of part A (Hospital Coverage) care covered under Medicare and Part B Medical Coverage. The main difference in Medicare advantage is the extra features some may offer not covered under traditional Medicare such as vision, hearing dentals and fitness and exercise programs. Co-pays, deductibles, and coinsurance may also vary due to the additional features so make sure you understand the features you need or want and the cost.  Some Medicare Advantage plans are network plans and require you to use specific physicians within the network as well.

·        You can still join a Medicare advantage plan if you have pre-existing conditions with the exception of end stage renal disease.

·        You can only join a Medicare Advantage plan during one of the specified Enrollment periods after becoming eligible.

·        You can receive your prescription drug coverage through the Medicare Advantage Plan.

·        Medicare Advantage Plans are not a Supplemental type of Insurance and is not a Medigap Policy.

·        You may qualify for Medicaid if you are unable to afford a Medcare Advantage Plan premium.