Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies.

They  combine your Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) coverage—often adding prescription drug coverage (Part D) and extras such as dental, vision, hearing, fitness, and wellness programs.

•  Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after.
   
• Annual Election Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7 each year. Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan.
   
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 – March 31. If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to another plan or return to Original Medicare once during this time.
   
• Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Available if you move, lose other coverage, qualify for Medicaid, or have certain other life events.

• Costs: Compare monthly premiums, annual out-of-pocket maximums, and copays for the services you use most.
   
• Provider Network: Confirm your doctors, specialists, and preferred hospitals are in-network.
   
• Prescription Coverage: Make sure your medications are on the plan’s formulary and that your pharmacy is preferred.
   
• Extra Benefits: Weigh dental, vision, hearing, or wellness perks.
   
• Travel Needs: Some plans limit coverage outside your service area; frequent travelers might prefer a PPO or Original Medicare with a Medigap policy.