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 affordable prescriptions, are some
of the common extra benefits 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 in order to enroll. 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 (2009) 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.
The Advantages of a Medicare Advantage Plan
• 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
Read Complete Guide to Medicare Insurance
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