Medicare Advantage Plans

Compare Medicare Advantage Plans – Networks

Comparing Medicare Advantage plans is a bit trickier than comparing Medicare supplements. That’s because Medicare Advantage plans have networks of doctors and hospitals. These networks are far, far smaller than the vast Medicare network itself. So it becomes really important to research each plan’s network and make sure that it offers your most important medical providers.

Most Medicare Advantage plans have either an HMO or PPO network. HMO networks are generally smaller and often require you to choose a primary care doctor. You will see that doctor first to get a referral if you need to see a specialist. Since there are more limitations, HMO plans often have the lowest premiums. PPO networks allow you access to doctors both in and out of the network. Your copays will be higher for seeing doctors out of network. Because these plans have more freedom of access, we sometimes see that they have higher premiums than some HMO Plans.

Compare Medicare Advantage Plans – Drug Formularies

When looking at options, be sure you compare Medicare Advantage plans drug formularies. Many Medicare Advantage plans have built-in Part D drug plans.

Some people are so focused on comparing Medicare Advantage plan doctor networks that they forget to check the drug formulary. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that has all the right doctors but doesn’t cover one of your most expensive medications, you can find yourself spending a lot of money on drugs that are not covered.

At Boomer Benefits, we provide you with ALL the data you need to make your decision. Our service is 100% free with no charge to you ever.

How To Compare Medicare Advantage Plan Types

What are the different types of Medicare Advantage plans? Well, there are several different types of Medicare Advantage plans, although HMO and PPO plans are the most common. They vary based on the type of network they use and how restrictive those networks are. Here are the most common types of Medicare Advantage plans:

Medicare Advantage HMO

HMO stands for Health Maintenance Organization. This type of plan requires you to use only providers in the network unless there is an emergency. In most cases you will select a primary care doctor, and see that doctor for referrals when you need them. Medicare HMO plans often have the lowest premiums because they are the most restrictive.

Medicare Advantage PPO

PPO stands for Preferred Provider Organization. On a PPO plan, you can usually go to any provider, but you’ll have lower costs when you treat at in-network providers. Most PPO plans will not require you to get referrals from your primary care doctor, but you should check the summary of benefits for your plan to be certain.

Medicare Special Needs Plans

Special Needs Plans are offered to people with specific health conditions or situations. The plan is customized to provide coordinated care to you from a network of providers. All Special Needs Plans include Medicare Part D rolled into the plan.

Common Questions about Medicare Advantage Plans

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Good?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We’ve had clients that have loved their Advantage plan. We’ve had others that didn’t care for them at all. The key to liking your plan is to understand it fully going in. Our team will walk you through all the options in your area and make sure you fully understand how your plan will work before you enroll.

Which is Better – Medicare Advantage or Supplement?

It depends on what you are looking for. Medicare Advantage plans have lower premiums up front and more copays on the back end as you use your coverage. Medicare supplement plans cost more up front with very little and predictable spending on the back end.

Why Choose Medicare Advantage Plans

The benefits of Medicare Advantage plans are the same Medicare Part A and B benefits as Original Medicare, but they just pay differently. With Medicare and a Medigap plan, your doctor sends the bills to Medicare. With a Medicare Advantage plan, your doctor collects the copay due from you first, then sends the bill to the Medicare Advantage plan company.

So your Medicare Advantage plan comparison should involve a thorough review of the plan’s Summary of Benefits. This will tell you which copays to expect for things like doctor visits, labwork, hospital stays, surgeries, etc.

Need our help to compare Medicare Advantage plans in your area? Complete the form on the page above, and a friendly Boomer Benefits team member will follow up with you to answer questions. We can help to point out important information that you will want to review on your customized quote. We offer the most exceptional, straightforward, and no-nonsense service in the industry.