Money Saving Tips On Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage Options

Medicare Advantage Plans are the result of legislation that has recently been enacted. These plans are becoming tremendously popular due to the extra benefits that are offered. Extra days in the hospital, low out of pocket costs for doctor visits and prescriptions are some of the extra benefits that are usually offered.

The Medicare Advantage plan is offered throughout the United States via private insurers. Part A and Part B of Medicare are required to join the plan and the Medicare part B premium must be paid by the Medicare recipient. Private insurers offer plans which have varying co-payments and premiums that start at $0 per month.

A Medicare PFFS (Private Fee for Service) Advantage plan is enjoying explosive membership growth because it allows the Medicare recipient to visit any doctor, any hospital in the United States. Currently (2007) the Medicare PFFS Advantage plan is a superior value versus the supplement for most people.

The HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) Advantage plan continues to be popular for those who desire to have minimal out-of-pocket expenses and low (usually zero) monthly premiums. Medicare HMOs are offered in metropolitan areas that have large Medicare recipient populations.

• Medicare Advantage plans are available with little or no monthly premiums.

• Medicare Advantage plan holders are still in Medicare and retain the rights and protections of Medicare.

• A Medicare Advantage member will continue to receive regular Medicare covered services. In addition, a Medicare Advantage plan holder will also have access to additional services that neither Medicare supplements nor the original Medicare provides.

• Prescription drug plans often are included in the Medicare Advantage plan while supplemental Medicare policyholders must pay extra for the Part D prescription plan.

• The Medicare Advantage plan is growing. The Medicare Advantage plans are now offered to 98% of the counties in the United States. In 1996 only 15% of American counties had a Medicare Advantage plan available.

• Supplemental Medicare policy holders pays money whether you get sick or not. Medicare Advantage plans have the the policyholders make a small co-payment for doctor visits and a somewhat larger co-payment for hospital visits.

• The Medicare recipient should know that the Medicare Advantage guarantees that even in a time of poor health there is a maximum out of pocket expense. A Medicare supplement (Medigap) policy guarantees the Medicare recipient to spend $1,600 to $2,000 a year even if you never go to the doctor.

• A primary physician (PCP) referral to see a specialist is a thing of the past. A PFFS or PPO Medicare Advantage plan permit the policyholder to go to any doctor or hospital with no referrals!

• End Stage Renal Disease (kidney failure) can even qualify for the advantages of an Advantage Medicare plan. In some counties we even have companies specifically for people with end stage renal disease.

Medicare supplement agents are proud to be leading pioneers in the Medicare Advantage industry and it would be our pleasure to present you with the best plan that is available in your area.

Click below to read more about the
Medicare Advantage Plan:

• Ten Common Questions about Medicare Advantage plans
• Chart Describing the PPO, HMO & PFFS
• How to Join a Medicare Advantage plan