Medicare Advantage Plans, also referred to as Part C, are available to those eligible for Medicare. You can join a Medicare Advantage Plan during your Initial Enrollment Period. You are still required to have Medicare Part A and B, and continue to make your Medicare Part B payments. Anyone with Medicare can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan during the Annual Election Period between October 15 and December 7. Your changes will not begin until January 1st of the following year.
There is also a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period annually between January 1st and March 31st. This time frame allows someone in a Medicare Advantage Plan to switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) or you can disenroll from your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare. Keep in mind that you may not be able to purchase a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan if you return to Original Medicare.
There are several Special Enrollment Periods during the calendar year in which you may be able to switch or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan. Each persons’ situation is unique and A+ Benefits Group can help you determine if you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.
There are several types of Medicare Advantage Plans such as HMO’s (Health Maintenance Organization), PPO’s (Preferred Provider Organization, PFFS plans (Private Fee For Service), and SNP’s (Special Needs Plan). Depending on your current needs, each type of Medicare Advantage Plan contains specific coverage and selecting the right type of Medicare Advantage Plan is very important. A+ Benefits Group Medicare Specialists work with you to determine which plan will fit you best.
Medicare Advantage Plans are required to offer the same coverage as Original Medicare, but may offer additional benefits such as vision, dental, and hearing. It is important to note that Medicare Advantage Plans can charge different prices for out-of-pocket cost and may have different rules for how you obtain services, such as referrals. Plans may have different annual out of pocket limits and this should be kept in mind when choosing a plan. Lastly, you have the ability to make changes or keep your current Medicare Advantage Plan every year during the Annual Election Period.
For more information on Medicare Advantage Plans in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, throughout the state of Florida and many other states
call
one of our independent Medicare Advantage Plans Agents at A+ Benefits Group today.
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