When protecting your health, one thing is clear — you need a way to cover the high costs associated with staying healthy well into your golden years. Still, navigating this next stage of insurance can be difficult, especially as you’re given the option to choose from so many plans and coverages.
Medicare Advantage plans tend to be one of the plans that confuse seniors as they navigate the world of Medicare. Let’s dig into what Medicare Advantage plans are and how to enroll.
What Are Medicare Advantage Plans?
Original Medicare plans, Part A and B, offer coverage for inpatient hospital and nursing services (Part A), doctor visits, outpatient services, and some preventative care (Part B). Medicare Advantage offers the same coverage as Original Medicare and prescription drug coverage (Part D). In addition, many Medicare Advantage plans also include additional health benefits, such as dental, vision, hearing, and fitness.
Medicare Advantage plans are provided by private insurance companies rather than the federal government. The costs of these plans and the coverage they offer vary based on the provider. Because of the differences, it’s important to research coverage options before choosing a Medicare Advantage plan.
Finding the Right Medicare Advantage Plan for You
With Original Medicare, you can go to any hospital or doctor within the United States that accepts Medicare. With a Medicare Advantage plan, you will have a network of doctors you can choose from. If you currently have a doctor you like, it’s a good idea to verify that they are included in the Medicare Advantage plan you’re considering before making the switch.
Emergency and urgent care services are covered nationwide, and you will have limited coverage in foreign countries. Still, checking the type of coverage you have for foreign coverage and travel benefits is a good idea before enrolling if you plan to travel during retirement.
How to Get Medicare Advantage
A variety of Medicare Advantage plans are available to those with Medicare already. Reviewing these plans can help you better identify what will be most beneficial to your individual needs. Then, when you have chosen your plan, you can sign up.
Medicare Advantage plans are available in four ways:
- You can call Medicare directly at 1-800-633-4227 (TTY 1-877-486-2048)
- You can go online and use Medicare Plan Finder.
- Call the Medicare Advantage plan provider directly through their website
- You can contact McGrath Insurance Group to sort through the available plans and request enrollment in the one that best fits your needs
No matter which way you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must already have the original Medicare.
Information Needed to Sign Up for a Medicare Part D Plan
No matter which way you choose to sign up for Medicare Part D, you will need to have the following information:
- Your Medicare number
- Date your Medicare coverage started
- Your primary mailing address
Medicare Advantage plans will never ask you for financial information over the phone, such as credit card numbers or bank account numbers, unless you specifically ask to enroll in a plan.
We’re Here to Help
You shouldn’t have to navigate this alone. If you would like help understanding your Medicare coverages and what’s available to you, reach out to us to schedule an appointment to talk. We’ll help you unpack what you need and your enrollment dates. Call us today at 573-346-7224 to get started.
