Medicare Advantage Plan Information

Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, provide optional medical coverage through private companies. An individual can receive coverage beyond the basic Medicare coverage for hospitalizations, physician visits and other medical services.

Coverage

• A recipient with coverage through a Medicare Advantage Plan receives his care from the provider of his plan. Types of plans include Medicare Health Maintenance Organizations, Special Needs Plans, Private Fee-for-Service Plans and Preferred Provider Organizations.

Benefits

• A Medicare Advantage Plan provides coverage with lower copayments and improved prescription drug benefits. A plan also provides more comprehensive coverage than Medicare Part A and B. An individual can join a plan if he has a preexisting condition, with the exception of end-stage renal failure.

Applying

• To join a Medicare Advantage Plan, an applicant must have Medicare Part A and B coverage. He will be responsible for paying any additional premiums for the plan in addition to the premiums required by Medicare for Part B coverage. An individual is eligible to join during the open enrollment period and coverage lasts for one year.