You may be familiar with Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage but what it is important to know is that Medicare Advantage is a supplemental program for providing additional Medicare benefits and coverage.
Meadowcrest Family Physicians Recommend Medicare Advantage Plans
After many years of serving Medicare patients, We have found that our patients are getting better benefits with Medicare Advantage Plans and strongly recommend that you explore your Medicare Advantage options. You can be certain that your medicare benefits will be accepted and you will continue to receive the care you deserve.
As of 2022 nearly half of all Medicare members have enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan. The success of Medicare Advantage has meant access to quality low cost insurance for millions of Americans. At Meadowcrest Family Physicians we work closely with medicare advantage providers to ensure that our Medicare patients’ needs are covered.
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Eligibility starts when you receive Medicare benefits
The Medicare Advantage system was designed to offer expanded Medicare benefits to all seniors at an affordable price.
A Medicare Advantage Plan is meant to replace your existing Part A and B Medicare benefits. Nearly all members of medicare are eligible for a Medicare Advantage Plan.
To join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you must:
- Have existing Part A and Part B benefits.
- Live in the plan’s service area.
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the U.S.
2.Reduced cost with Monthly premiums As low as $0
Medicare Advantage plans can vary in their cost structures. Most Medicare Advantage providers offer plans with zero-dollar monthly Premiums. Plans with low monthly premiums tend to have more expensive deductibles.
3.Out-of-pocket costs have an annual limit
With a Medicare Advantage plan, you can rest easy knowing the maximum total deductibles are capped annually. This is a benefit considering traditional Medicare has no such annual out-of-pocket limit.
4.Additional coverage for dental, vision, and hearing care
Original Medicare plans offer no coverage for services such as dental visits, vision check-ups, and hearing examinations. This leaves members with a coverage gap compared to their marketplace insurance. Medicare Advantage plans bundle coverage for these services.
5.In-home visits And transportation to medical appointments
Is a member of a Medicare Advantage plan, You are entitled to additional services such as transportation and even in-home doctor and nursing visits. Services like telehealth appointments are often covered at no cost to enrolled members.
6.Medicare Advantage provides coverage for your prescription drug costs
With no additional coverage, a member of a traditional Medicare plan is responsible for all prescription drug costs. While additional part D prescription drug plans do exist, Medicare advantage plans feature prescription drug coverage for the lowest cost to you.
7.An all-in-one health insurance solution
Medicare Advantage plans bundle Medicare part a and b coverage with prescription drug coverage.
8.Emergency health services are covered nationwide
If’s a member of a Medicare Advantage plan you can expect your Medicare part benefits to remain intact. This means that you will be covered for any emergency health services needed at a hospital in the United States.
9. Seamless referrals between physicians and specialists.
Medicare Advantage plans pair primary care physicians with a health management organization to provide you with proper care. This system maximizes efficiency for specialist referrals.
10. Coordinated care plans are ideal for improving your health
Medicare wants to be sure that all doctors have the resources and information they need to coordinate your care. Coordinated care helps prevent:
- Getting the same service more than once (when getting the services again isn’t needed)
- Medical errors
Medicare’s coordinated care programs include:
- Accountable Care Organizations
- Global & Professional Direct Contracting
- Oncology Care Model
Finding the right Medicare Advantage Plan for you.
Doing your research will go a long way but there are some key points to mention here. When comparing Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage (MA) it is important to know that Medicare Advantage is a supplemental program for providing additional Medicare benefits and coverage.
Medicare Advantage Plans are typically associated with managed care plans and are administered by private insurance companies in contract with the federal government. While these Health Management organizations (HMOs) and Preferred Provider Organizations(PPOs) have limited provider networks, they are required by law to have increased coverage requirements compared to standard Medicare.
Committed to Your Care Today and in the Future
Our commitment to care goes much beyond our office. If you need additional information regarding Medicare Advantage plans we have resources to help. Please make an appointment with our in-office rep to learn your options.
