Introduction
If you're a senior, you have the option to enroll in original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. Original Medicare covers the costs of hospital and medical expenses, but it doesn't cover some services that many seniors need. These include vision and dental care, gym membership or weight loss programs, and chronic disease management programs. If you want additional benefits for yourself or for your family members who are also eligible for medicare coverage, then consider a Medicare Advantage plan instead.
Medicare Advantage plans offer benefits that original Medicare does not.
Medicare Advantage plans offer benefits that original Medicare does not. For example, some Medicare Advantage plans include dental coverage and vision care. Others offer better prescription drug coverage than original Medicare.
If you’re looking for more information about whether a specific Medicare Advantage plan offers extra benefits, you can look at the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC). The SBC is available on each Medicare Advantage plan’s website, or you can call your state's health insurance marketplace to request one. The SBC will let you know what services are included in each plan and how much they cost. Learn more here.
Higher copays and deductibles on original Medicare can cost more than a Medicare Advantage plan.
You may be able to save money on your Part A and Part B premiums by choosing a Medicare Advantage plan instead of the original Medicare. You also can save money on prescription drugs if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers drug coverage.
Some people think they are saving by getting their prescriptions through mail order rather than going to see their pharmacist. This is not always true because it usually costs more to get your medications through mail order, even though the cost is covered by Medicaid or another insurance company. To find out whether it's cheaper for you to go to the pharmacy or use a mail order, check with your pharmacist before signing up for any new program.
The bottom line: If you have chronic health conditions, you may be able to get better coverage from a Medicare Advantage Plan than from original Medicare—and still pay less!
Seniors who qualify for Medicaid will get their Part D prescription drug coverage for free if enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Medicare Advantage plans are often the best choice for people who qualify for Medicaid.
Medicaid is a federal program that provides health coverage to low-income people, including those who are over 65 and disabled, pregnant women, and children. Medicaid covers Part D prescription drug coverage for eligible people, but it takes into account whether they have other sources of insurance that cover all or part of their costs. If you qualify, then your Medicare Advantage plan will include Part D prescription drug coverage at no additional cost (or at least minimal additional cost) as a "wrap-around" benefit.
Most Medicare Advantage plans offer prescription drug coverage through Part D; if yours doesn't offer this type of coverage as an independent product you'll need to buy it separately from another provider or pay out of pocket.
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer dental and vision care.
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer dental and vision coverage, but you have to check each one.
If your plan doesn't cover dental or vision care, you may be able to buy a separate plan through the Marketplace or directly from an insurance company. You'll find more information about these options on the Health Insurance Marketplace website at www.healthcare.gov/marketplace-plans/.
The costs of dental and vision coverage vary widely by plan, so it's important to shop around for the best deal if you need this extra coverage in addition to your Medicare Advantage plan premium.
Some Medicare Advantage plans cover gym memberships or weight loss programs.
Gym memberships or weight loss programs can help you improve your health and overall well-being.
Some Medicare Advantage plans cover gym memberships and/or weight loss programs as part of their benefits packages.
This is a great benefit for people with chronic conditions who need to stay healthy and fit.
If you are looking for an affordable plan with this benefit, we recommend taking a look at Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Advantage Plans.
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer benefits for people with chronic health conditions.
Medicare Advantage plans often offer benefits for people with chronic health conditions. Some plans cover routine care for chronic conditions and specialist care for chronic conditions. Some also cover hospital stays for chronic conditions, long-term care, home health, and hospice services, or extra benefits for people with disabilities.
Benefits not included in original Medicare may be offered by a Medicare Advantage plan.
Another benefit of Medicare Advantage plans is that they may offer benefits not included in original Medicare. These benefits can include coverage for dental, vision, and gym memberships; coverage for chronic health conditions; coverage for people with disabilities; weight loss programs; hearing and speech disorders; transportation to medical appointments.
Conclusion
These benefits are just some of the reasons why seniors choose Medicare Advantage plans over original Medicare. They can help you save money, get more coverage, or access additional perks like gym memberships or weight loss programs. If you're looking for a new plan, compare several options before signing up for one that best fits your needs.
Medicare is a federal program that provides healthcare coverage to individuals 65 years or older. Original Medicare coverage is broken into two parts - Part A and Part B - and is accepted by nearly every doctor and hospital in the country. Medicare Part A covers inpatient or hospital stays, while Part B covers outpatient or medical care. Parts A and B cover about 80% of seniors' typical healthcare costs. This leaves a few significant gaps in coverage. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage plans are policies designed to help extend coverage, lessen expenses and ultimately give beneficiaries peace of mind. If you or someone you know would like more information about how to enroll in Original Medicare or one of the Medicare Advantage plans, call now to speak with a licensed agent (208) 818 2523. We cannot wait to help you learn about your options.