What a Medicare Advantage plan is
Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, is offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. You still have Medicare and still pay your Part B premium, but the plan handles your hospital and medical coverage, and most plans (MAPD) include Part D prescription coverage.
Plans typically come as an HMO, where you use a network and pick a primary doctor, or a PPO, which costs a bit more but lets you go out of network.
What plans commonly bundle
- Part D prescription drug coverage
- Dental, vision and hearing allowances
- An over-the-counter (OTC) allowance card
- Fitness memberships and transportation benefits
- A yearly cap on what you pay out of pocket
What "$0 premium" really means
Many plans charge nothing beyond your Part B premium. That is real, but it is not the whole cost. You pay copays for doctor visits, coinsurance for hospital stays and procedures, and your share of drug costs. The plan's maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) is the number that tells you your worst-case year.
When we compare plans, we look at your doctors, your prescriptions and your MOOP before we look at the premium.
The tradeoffs
- You use the plan's network. Out-of-network care may cost more or not be covered.
- Some services need prior authorization.
- Benefits and networks change each year, so a yearly review matters.
Is Medicare Advantage right for you?
It tends to fit if most of these are true.
- Your doctors and hospital are in the plan's network
- You want drug, dental and vision coverage in one card
- You prefer a lower monthly cost and can handle copays when you use care
- You mostly stay in one area and don't need nationwide routine care
- You are comfortable reviewing your plan each fall
Compare plans in your area
See premiums, drug costs, doctors in network and star ratings side by side for your ZIP code. It takes about three minutes, and nothing is submitted until you decide.
Open the plan comparisonPrefer to talk it through? Book a call or dial (832) 490-3880.
Required disclosure. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [X] organizations which offer [Y] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. Plan availability, premiums and benefits vary by county and change each year. Enrollment in a plan depends on contract renewal.