Compare Medicare Advantage Plans to Find The Right Fit

What is a Medicare Advantage plan?

Medicare Advantage plans provide an alternative to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is offered by private health insurance companies approved by Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are legally required to offer at least the same coverage as Original Medicare, but may include additional routine benefits.

Compare Medicare Part C Types

When you sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll want to consider the different plan types. Medicare Advantage plan companies provide six different types of plans:

1. Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): Typically requires you to use doctors and hospitals within the plan’s network and may require referrals to see specialists. 

2. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): Offers more flexibility by allowing you to see both in-network and out-of-network providers, usually at a higher cost for out-of-network care. 

3. Health Maintenance Organization Point of Service (HMO-POS): Provide HMO coverage with some limited out-of-network benefits for certain services. 

4. Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS): Let you visit any Medicare-approved provider who agrees to the plan’s payment terms and conditions. 

5. Medical Savings Account (MSA): Combine a high-deductible health plan with a medical savings account that can be used to pay qualified healthcare expenses. 

6. Special Needs Plan (SNP): Designed for individuals with certain chronic conditions, specific healthcare needs, or those who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. 

Note that not all of these plans are available in all areas. You’ll also need your own primary care doctor when you have one of the following plans:

• Special Needs plan (SNP)

• Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

• Health Maintenance Organization Point of Service (HMOPOS) plan

HMOs and SNPs are the only plans that require a referral to see a specialist. HMO plans are also the only plans that require you to receive care from an in-network doctor.

Not sure which network type is right for you? A SelectQuote licensed insurance agent can help compare plan options and check whether your current doctors and hospitals are in-network. 

Benefits of a Medicare Advantage Plan

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans combine your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage into one plan and may include additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare. Depending on the plan, benefits may include prescription drug coverage, routine dental, vision, hearing services, fitness programs, and wellness benefits. 

You can shop Medicare Advantage plans available in your area by ZIP code to compare coverage, costs, and plan benefits. 

What to Consider Before Enrolling

As you prepare to apply for a Medicare Advantage plan, it is important to remember:

• You cannot purchase a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan if you have a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Medicare Advantage plan. 

• Special Needs plans (SNP) are required to cover prescriptions. Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS) plans sometimes cover prescriptions, but if you have one that doesn’t, you can supplement it with a Medicare Part D plan.

• The services and fees for Medicare Advantage plans can vary widely, but we can help you better understand the plans available in your area. Learn more by scheduling a free Medicare Advantage plan review with an independent licensed insurance agent.