Medicare Advantage Plans are another way to get your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are offered by Medicare-approved private companies that must follow rules set by Medicare. Most Medicare Advantage Plans include drug coverage (Part D).
A Few Things To Know About Medicare Advantage Plans
- You’re still in the Medicare Program.
- You still have Medicare rights and protections.
- You still get complete Part A and Part B coverage through the plan. Plans may offer some extra benefits that original Medicare doesn’t cover – like vision, hearing, and dental services.
- Your out-of-pocket costs may be lower in a Medicare Advantage Plan. If so, this option may be more cost effective for you.
- You can’t buy and don’t need Medigap.
- You can only join a plan at certain times during the year. In most cases, you’re enrolled in a plan for a year.
- You can join a Medicare Advantage Plan even if you have a pre-existing condition
When can you join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) with or without drug coverage during these times:
- Initial Enrollment Period. When you first become eligible for Medicare, you can join a plan.
- Open Enrollment Period. From October 15 – December 7 each year, you can join, switch, or drop a plan. Your coverage will begin on January 1 (as long as the plan gets your request by December 7).
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. From January 1 – March 31 each year, if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan or switch to Original Medicare (and join a separate Medicare drug plan) once during this time. Note: You can only switch plans once during this period.
Medicare Advantage Enrollment Numbers
Nationwide, enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans have doubled in the last decade, with nearly half of Medicare beneficiaries choosing to get coverage from a Medicare Advantage Plan. Medicare beneficiaries really like the all-in-one card approach. From the doctor’s office to the pharmacist you use the same card for your Medicare benefits its simple and easy.
Who Should You Call?
You can tell it’s Medicare season with all the television ads telling you to get all the Medicare benefits you deserve. Calling a 1 800 #, giving a total stranger your personal information, and trusting they understand the local landscape of plans to get access to the doctors you want to see, is not the only option. There’s a better way. Call your local trusted Farmers Union Agent. The same companies, the same prices, the same all-in-one Medicare Plans, you can buy from your local Farmers Union Agent.
*Farmers Union Insurance may not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
