STEPS TO AVOID THE WORST MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS
Is There A "WORSE" Medicare Advantage? YES, And There Is Also A "BEST" Medicare Advantage Plan For You! YES! The Difference Between The Best Medicare Advantage Plan And The Worst Can Be Minor. So, Each Component Of The Plan Is Important Overall And How It Best Fits Your Situation.
How do we find the BEST Plan for you?
There is no specific order but each individual part is important to the complete picture
- Medications - You need a list of your medications, dosage and how often they are taken. meds are ongoing in most cases $
- Doctors - You will need a list of Doctors and Specialist. Let's check your network.
- Current Health Needs - Some people use doctors more than others and require more help
- Professional Consultation - You are not in this alone, we help take the confusion out of Medicare!
Now that we have that information, we can compare your present plan to all the plans in the area or find the best one for you! Call 941-263-4545 Or
Do it yourself by using the page below!
Or
Schedule an introduction call CLICK HERE , When it maybe more convenient for you!
We are here to Serve you!
Medicare Advantage Plan Benefits
Medicare Advantage plans are offered within defined geographic service areas, and to become a member, you must live within the plan's service area. Plan coverage and costs can vary by location and plan type.
All Medicare Advantage Plans provide coverage for the benefits provided by Part A (including hospice care, which is provided by Part A if not covered by the plan) and Part B. Most Advantage Plans also include coverage for prescription drugs. Additionally, plans may offer coverage for dental cleanings, exams, and X-rays, eye exams, eyeglasses, and corrective lenses, hearing exams and hearing aids, fitness memberships, wellness programs, and other extra benefits such as transportation to medical appointments and virtual provider visits.
It's important to note that some plans have provider networks while others do not, and out-of-pocket costs and plan premiums can vary by plan. Different plan options are available to fit different budgets.
View Medicare Advantage plans in your area
Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage Plans
You may have seen ads for $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans that offer all-in-one coverage, including prescription drug coverage, vision care, dental, hearing devices, and even a free gym membership. However, some people criticize or complain about these plans. So, why are Medicare Advantage plans sometimes considered bad?
Firstly, it's important to note that Medicare Advantage plans are not necessarily bad in themselves; they may not be a good fit for everyone. The reasons why some people view these plans negatively are varied. Some individuals say it's due to their smaller networks, while others dislike the annual changes. The answer to this question is subjective and depends on who you ask.
If you ask a doctor, they may say they don't accept Medicare Advantage plans because private insurance companies make it difficult for them to get paid. Your neighbor may say they were unhappy with how much they had to pay out-of-pocket when using the benefits. If you ask a friend, they might say their plan wouldn't travel with them. However, one common answer is "because I thought the plan was free."
To determine if a Medicare Advantage plan is right for you, you need a tool that can help you compare different plans and find the best fit for your needs. You can compare your current plan to other plans available in your area and find one that works best for you.
What makes a Good Medicare Advantage Plan?
Looking for the best Medicare Advantage plan for your unique needs? It's important to remember that even minor differences between plans can make a big impact on your coverage and overall satisfaction. For example, the Part D plan included in a Medicare Advantage plan can vary greatly depending on the medications you take. Other benefits, such as vision, dental, and OTC coverage, can also vary widely.
To find the best plan for you, start by contacting an independent insurance broker like Woody's Insurance at 606-224-2406. They can help you compare various plans in your area, including supplements and Part D plans. With access to a tool to compare plans, you can easily get a quote of the plans side-by-side and enroll yourself if you choose. And of course, licensed insurance agents are available to answer your questions and help you choose the best plan for your needs.
Pros and Cons of Medicare Advantage Plans vs. Original Medicare
When it comes to Medicare coverage, there are two main options: Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and Medicare Advantage (Part C). While both provide the same basic set of benefits, there are some key differences to consider when choosing between them.
Medicare Advantage: A Brief Overview
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies that are approved by Medicare. In addition to covering the same benefits as Original Medicare, most Medicare Advantage plans also include prescription drug coverage and additional benefits like routine dental or hearing care.
To be eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan, you must have Medicare Part A and Part B, live in the plan's service area, and continue to pay the Medicare Part B premium (in addition to any plan premium).
Original Medicare: A Quick Overview
Original Medicare is the government health insurance program that started in 1965. It consists of Part A, which covers hospital insurance and skilled nursing facilities, and Part B, which covers medical insurance like doctor visits and preventive care. There are coinsurance, deductible amounts, and/or copayments for most services covered by Parts A and B.
If you're automatically enrolled in Medicare, you're usually enrolled in both Part A and Part B. However, you can choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan instead.
Pros and Cons
The main advantage of Medicare Advantage plans is that they often include additional benefits beyond what's covered by Original Medicare. However, they may also have more limited provider networks and require referrals to see specialists.
Original Medicare, on the other hand, generally offers more flexibility in terms of choosing providers and may be a better choice if you have a preferred doctor or hospital. However, you may need to purchase additional coverage (like a Part D plan or Medigap policy) to fill in coverage gaps.
Ultimately, the choice between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage depends on your individual needs and preferences. To find the best option for you, consider factors like cost, coverage, and provider networks.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Medicare Advantage Plans?
Medicare Advantage plans offer several advantages over Original Medicare. These plans often provide additional benefits, such as vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage, and some may even cover acupuncture. Moreover, some Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 premium, meaning you don't have to pay anything extra for these benefits, although you may still have to pay for your Part B deductible.
Another advantage of Medicare Advantage is that it may have a maximum out-of-pocket limit of up to $7,500. Once you hit this limit, you won't have to pay anything else for covered medical services for the remainder of the year. This maximum out-of-pocket limit can potentially save you money compared to Original Medicare, which doesn't have this feature.
Medicare Advantage plans also offer coordinated medical care, which means that every provider you visit should communicate with each other to provide you with adequate medical care. These plans provide a structure in which coordination is paramount.
However, there are some disadvantages to Medicare Advantage. For example, these plans usually have smaller networks, which means you may not have access to all the doctors and facilities that you could with Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are also not standardized, meaning that the coverage may vary from plan to plan. Moreover, these plans can change their benefits each year, so it's essential to review your plan's annual notice of change each September to ensure that it still meets your needs.
Additionally, Medicare Advantage plans may require referrals, depending on the plan you choose, especially if it's an HMO. This can limit your ability to see certain specialists or undergo specific procedures. It's also essential to check your plan's provider directory to determine if the hospital facilities or doctors are in-network.
In summary, Medicare Advantage plans offer several advantages and disadvantages compared to Original Medicare. It's important to carefully consider your options and choose the plan that best meets your needs.
Medicare Advantage Plan Types
A Medicare Advantage Plan is an alternative way to get your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. These plans, also known as "Part C" or "MA Plans," are provided by private companies approved by Medicare, who must adhere to Medicare's guidelines. Most Medicare Advantage plans include drug coverage (Part D). In many cases, you'll need to use healthcare providers within the plan's network. The plan may limit your out-of-pocket costs each year for covered services, but non-emergency coverage outside the network will usually come at a higher cost. Be sure to use your Medicare Advantage plan card for Medicare-covered services, not your Original Medicare card. However, keep your red, white, and blue Medicare card in a secure location since you'll need it if you ever decide to switch back to Original Medicare.
The following are the most common types of Medicare Advantage plans:
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans: HMO plans usually require you to select a primary care physician and get referrals from them to see specialists. These plans typically have lower out-of-pocket costs but also have a more limited network of providers.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans: PPO plans offer more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers, but you'll pay more if you go out-of-network. You usually don't need referrals to see specialists, but these plans typically have higher out-of-pocket costs than HMOs.
Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS) Plans: PFFS plans allow you to see any healthcare provider who accepts the plan's terms and conditions, but not all providers will accept them. These plans don't require you to select a primary care physician or get referrals to see specialists.
Special Needs Plans (SNPs): SNPs are designed for people with specific health conditions or who meet certain criteria. These plans are customized to meet the unique needs of their members and often offer additional benefits and services. You must qualify for an SNP to enroll in one.
Medicare Advantage Plans in Florida
In 2018, 43 percent of Medicare beneficiaries in Florida enrolled in private Medicare Advantage plans, which is higher than the national average of 34 percent. The remaining 52 percent of beneficiaries in the state chose coverage under Original Medicare, while some opted for Medicare Cost Plan coverage. By late 2020, total enrollment in private Medicare plans, including Medicare Advantage plans and some Medicare Cost plans, accounted for 49 percent of all Medicare beneficiaries in Florida. This trend towards Medicare Advantage enrollment is consistent with the national trend. It's important to note that Medicare Advantage service areas are defined on a county-by-county basis, and the number of plans available can vary significantly within a single state.
In Florida, residents in some counties can choose from more than 90 different Medicare Advantage plans in 2021, while residents of other counties only have fewer than twenty options.
Kentucky and Florida spotlight the diversity there can be from state to state and county to county within the state.