Some people feel strongly one way or the other about Medicare Advantage plans. A USA Today Columnist's opinion article by Daniel Gorlin and Jon Kaplan appeared to give a very favorable view. The article goes on to say that Medicare Advantage patients enjoy better health outcomes. If you are interested in reading the article mentioned above, click on the link at the bottom of this blog post.
Keep in mind that with most Medicare Advantage plans will have what I call "pay as you go" type expenses such as co-pays, co-insurance, etc. for different benefits. However, below I listed some of the nice features / benefits of some Medicare Advantage plans.
Many Medicare Advantage plans may have these benefits:
- Don't have a monthly premium.
- Include Prescription Drug coverage in the same plan.
- May include additional benefits such as: vision services, hearing services, health screening tests, nurse helplines, fitness programs, and some plans even include limited dental services, etc.
- Cap your out of pocket spending for the year.
- Have lower in-network pricing, but some plans allow you to go out-of-network if you pay more.
- Some plans allow you to travel in other states and still be covered in-network.
- They try to keep the emphasis on heather living and preventive care.
However, you probably heard the saying, "One size doesn't fit all!" With that said, Medicare Advantage can be very good for some folks, but one particular type plan isn't always a good fit for everybody.
So on the other hand, some folks that may be more able to afford monthly premiums and like a larger choice of doctors by not being confined to a network, or perhaps are sickly; may chose to go with Original Medicare and add a Medicare Supplement plan as well as a Prescription Drug Plan. Depending on which Insurance Company and Medicare Supplement Plan Letter type that are chosen, the coverage and premiums will vary. However, with most Medicare Supplement plans you are not limited to a network of doctors. If the doctor's office accepts original Medicare, generally they'll accept a Medicare Supplement plan to fill the gap or you may be able to get reimbursed. (For example with a Medicare Supplement Plan F in Florida, with a few exceptions just about everything is covered for your Medical expenses. You'll still need to have Part A and B in order to get a Medicare supplement though, but then after that, you just pay a flat monthly premium for Medical Supplement premium and you're done.) Although if you choose to also have prescription drug plan, you'll still have an additional premium for that plan as well, plus other out of pockets expenses such as prescription co-pays, possibly even a deductible depending on the prescription drug plan. If applicable, you may also have additional gap expenses if your prescription drug combined amounts go over the gap levels, etc.
Note: Medicare Insurance information can be overwhelming and confusing to many people. As an independent licensed agent I can explain things to you in simple terms so you feel comfortable making a decision. Then I can help you choose and enroll in a plan that you feel fits your needs.
By the way, it doesn’t cost you any more if you enroll in a Medicare Insurance plan through me as an independent agent versus directly with an insurance company either over the phone or via the Internet, since I get paid by the insurance companies for your enrollment. Plus you will have personalized service by a local agent. If you would like my assistance, please call me at 941-404-5334.
By calling this number, I understand I will be directed to a licensed insurance sales agent.