Medicare Advantage Plans 2024
If you’re looking to learn about and compare Medicare Advantage plans in your area, our website can help!
Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative way to get Original Medicare coverage and must offer at least the same coverage as Original Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. The good news is, many plans may offer additional benefits!
Choosing the right plan for you can be confusing, but we’re here to help!
The basics benefits provided:
- Medicare Part A – Hospital Coverage
- Medicare Part B – Medical Services
On this site, you’ll learn exactly how to compare Medicare Advantage plans as well as insurance companies to compare options.
Finding the right plan for you and even enrolling has never been easier!
Compare plans & rates for 2024!
Enter Zip Code
How to Compare Medicare Advantage Plans
To compare Medicare Advantage plans you’ll need to know:
- Do you have both Medicare Part A and Medicare B in place?
- Do you reside in the same area that the Medicare Advantage plan network provides coverage?
- Does the plan provide the benefits you’ll need?
- Does your doctor accept the plan?
Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment
If you are new to Medicare, the best time to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan is between the time period three months prior to turning age 65, your birthday month, and three months after your 65th birth month. This is what is called your “Initial enrollment period”.
Your coverage will begin on the first of the month after the date that you sign up during your INITIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD.
Already enrolled in Medicare?
If you are already enrolled in Medicare and want to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (also called Medicare Part C), then you can switch and enroll in one during the Medicare Annual Enrollment period. This period runs between October 15th and December 7th of every year.
Your coverage will then begin on January 1st of the following year.
Medicare Advantage Plans for 2024
Medicare Advantage plans for 2024 may have changed slightly from previous years, so it’s always a good idea to compare plans and benefits in your area each year. Plans may differ greatly depending on the insurance company and your area.
Medicare Advantage Plan Networks
Medicare Advantage plans use networks with their coverage. The coverage rules vary by the type of Medicare Advantage plan you’re enrolled in.
Medicare Advantage plans must provide coverage that at least matches what Medicare Part A and Medicare B cover. Many plans may include additional benefits though, and this will likely continue into 2025.
View plans & rates
Enter Zip Code
Medicare Advantage Plan Types
There are different types of Medicare Advantage plans.
These are the most common plans offered by several different insurance companies.
- Health Maintenance Organization Plans (HMO)
- Preferred Provider Organization Plans (PPO)
- Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS)
- Special Needs Plans (SNPs)
We can help you find the right plan to fit your needs, so if this already seems overwhelming don’t worry!
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
HMO plans usually involve getting your services from a primary care physician and hospital within the plans’ network.
This applies unless you are needing emergency care or urgent care outside of the plan’s network. Many HMO’s include prescription drug coverage built into the plan. If you enroll in an HMO without prescription drug coverage in it, you cannot enroll in a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
PPO plans also use a network, however, you have the ability to see providers outside the network but it may be at a higher cost.
Prescription drugs are covered in most PPO plans, and it’s important to see the cost of your own personal medications in the plans you’re considering, as well as to check if your doctors do in fact accept the plan. You do not need to choose a primary care doctor with a PPO plan.
Medical costs are typically lower with a PPO plan if you use providers within the network.
Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS)
PFFS plans are different than HMOs or PPOs, in which the plan decides how much it will pay doctors and providers. The doctors must agree to the terms and services of the plans.
If you visit a doctor, hospital, or provider that does not belong to the plan’s network you may end up paying much higher costs. Prescription drugs may be included in the PFFS plan, but if they’re not you can enroll in a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan for coverage.
With a PFFS plan, you may visit any Medicare-approved doctor or health care provider, or hospital that approves the plan’s payment terms and agrees to see you, that has not opted out of Medicare. You may see a provider outside of the network but you may have to pay more.
Special Needs Plans (SNPs)
Special Needs Plans are tailored to people with specific diseases or situations. You must qualify to enroll in one of these plans.
You may qualify for one of these plans for conditions such as:
- Alcohol dependence
- Various autoimmune disorders
- End-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis
- HIV/Aids
- Many more. Call us for more information on these plans and to see if you qualify
Medicare Advantage Plans - How to Get Started Now
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins each October 15th and runs through December 7th.
During this time frame, you may enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or change to a different plan.
Your new plan will then go into effect on January 1st.
New to Medicare?
If you are new to Medicare, then you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan up to three months prior to your Medicare Part B effective date.
Call us today to get help from one of our licensed insurance agents to see what the best time frame is for you to enroll, based on your current situation.
ZRN Health & Financial Services, LLC, a Texas limited liability company
Medicare Advantage Plans by State
Russell Noga is the CEO of ZRN Health & Financial Services, an online Medicare Agency helping Medicare beneficiaries learn about Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medigap, and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans since 2009. Russell is licensed in all 50 states and has been featured as a keynote speaker, and author of several publications.