Get to Know Part C: Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, combines Medicare Part A and Part B coverage with additional medical benefits not covered by Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are available through private insurance companies and may include benefits like dental, vision, and hearing. Many Medicare Advantage plans also include Part D prescription drug benefits.
HOW DO I ENROLL IN MEDICARE ADVANTAGE?
You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) or Special Enrollment Period (SEP), but only after you have signed up for both Parts A and B. Medicare Advantage members can change plans each year during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7.
You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan directly with the insurance company, usually over the phone, in-person, or by going online. An agent or broker can also help you sign up for a plan.
Is there a penalty for enrolling late?
There may be penalties for enrolling late in Parts B and D. However, there is no penalty for enrolling late in a Part C, Medicare Advantage plan. If you did not sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can do so each year during the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7.
CHOOSING YOUR MEDICARE ADVANTAGE COVERAGE
There are different levels of Medicare Advantage coverage that vary in price and coverage. Each provider has its own range of plan options for you to choose from, and some include unique offerings like fitness memberships, over-the-counter benefits, and more. You should compare plan benefits, costs, and networks to determine the right plan for you.
WILL A MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN COVER THIS BENEFIT?
This chart provides a high-level overview of the coverage that is included in most Medicare Advantage plans.
Benefits vary by insurance provider and plan.
WILL A MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN COVER THIS BENEFIT?
This chart provides a high-level overview of the coverage that is included in most Medicare Advantage plans.
Benefits vary by insurance provider and plan.
Will my doctor be covered?
With a Medicare Supplement plan, you can see any doctor that accepts Medicare. If your doctor does not accept Medicare, they can choose to treat patients on a case-by-case basis.
With a Medicare Advantage plan, your doctor must participate in the plan's network. Click here to see if your doctor is in the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan or Blue Care Network.
Do I have a choice in my Medicare Advantage insurance provider?
Yes, you can choose from any private Medicare insurance companies in your state that offer coverage in your area. Each private insurance company offers a variety of plans to match different needs.
What is preventive care?
Preventive services help you identify and treat health problems early so you can stay healthy. These include exams, shots, lab tests, and screenings, among others. Medicare Part B covers some preventive care services, although you may have a 20% coinsurance on services after you have met your deductible. If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, your private insurance provider will have a list of preventive services they cover.
What additional benefits are available to me?
If you're asking that question, it means you're ready for a free copy of our Medicare Guide. It will provide a comprehensive view of Medicare Advantage Plan benefits from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
These plans include prescription drug coverage (in most options), online visits, a free fitness plan, and an over-the-counter product allowance. Most also include dental, hearing and vision benefits. We also offer optional supplemental plans if you want even more dental and vision coverage. By comparing plans, you can choose the benefits you need while saving money, too.
WHAT TYPE OF MEDICARE ADVANTAGE NETWORK SHOULD I HAVE?
If you sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan, you will also be able to choose the type of network you want. The main types are Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or Health Maintenance Organization Point-of-Service (HMO-POS) plans and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. Your options will vary depending on your eligibility and what private insurance companies offer in your area. Some factors to consider when choosing a network include if your preferred doctors and hospitals are in your network, your travel habits, and costs.
HMO & HMO-POS PLANS
With an HMO plan, you must get your care and services from providers in your plan’s network. You may have lower costs, such as your monthly premium, with an HMO plan. HMO-POS plans are fairly similar, but in some cases, you can also get routine care out of state.
PPO PLANS
With a PPO plan, you have a wider network of doctors and hospitals to choose from. However, you will pay less if you choose to get in-network care.
What are PFFS and SNP plans?
You may also be able to enroll in a Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plan or Special Needs Plan (SNP). PFFS plans determine how much the company will pay doctors, other health care providers, and hospitals, and then how much you must pay. SNPs limit their memberships to people with special circumstances such as an illness or income.
HOW MUCH WILL MY MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN COST?
Because all plans are different, your costs will vary based on the provider and the coverage included in your chosen plan. You’ll want to compare plans to understand how much premiums are in relation to out-of-pocket costs like copays and coinsurance. While some Medicare Advantage plans may have lower premiums, they may have higher out-of-pocket expenses.
What’s the difference between a copay, deductible, and coinsurance?
While your insurance plan will pay for part of your coverage, you will likely also have to pay additional out-of-pocket costs through one of these methods:
- Copay: A preset amount you pay at the time you receive care. Copays vary from plan to plan. For example, you may have a $25 copay when you visit your primary care doctor.
- Deductible: This is the total amount of money you pay for qualifying services before your benefits kick in. For example, you pay $500 per year before your insurance provider starts covering costs.
- Coinsurance: Coinsurance is when you pay a percentage of your medical bill and your insurance covers the rest. For Medicare Part B, after you meet your deductible you will pay 20% of each medical bill and Medicare will pay the remaining 80%.
Each insurance plan has different types of payments and amounts you’ll owe, so we recommended reviewing these costs before you choose your coverage.
IS MEDICARE ADVANTAGE RIGHT FOR ME?
If you think you’ll need more coverage than the hospital and medical benefits that Original Medicare provides, you should consider a Medicare Advantage plan. You’ll be able to choose health, prescription, dental, vision, and hearing coverage that fits your lifestyle and work with one insurance provider that manages all of your benefits.
