Compare Medicare Advantage Plans – 5 Tips

What to consider when you compare Medicare Advantage plans

Unlike standardized Medicare supplement policies Medicare Advantage plans not only have different premiums they also include a wide range of benefit differences.

Having a road map to help you compare Medicare Advantage plans can insure that you are making the best choice.

In the past few years we have seen Advantage plans go through some significant changes.

• Private fee-for-service (PFFS) plans have become less prevalent
• In some cases monthly premiums are higher than Medicare supplements
• Plans that once had low co-pays for some outpatient services now have coinsurance amounts as high as original Medicare

Changes to Medicare Advantage plans require that you take a consistent approach to comparing plans.

Five tips to consider

1. Don’t blindly accept your current plan

If you currently have an Advantage plan don’t assume that the plan will have the same premium or identical benefits as your current year’s Medicare Advantage plan. Plans are offered on an annual basis and you have an Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for a reason.

Many PFFS Advantage plans will not renew for so you may not have an option to keep your current plan after the first of the year. Look for any communications from you current Advantage plan that inform you of a change in status.

2. Make sure that the network is acceptable

If you choose a network based plan (PPO, HMO, POS), make sure that you review the provider directory to make sure that your doctors are included. Also make sure that you are satisfied with the hospitals that are in-network.

If your providers are not in network determine if you can pay a little more and go out-of-network to receive your services. A Medicare PPO will generally afford you more freedom than a HMO plan.

3. Consider a Medigap policy if monthly premium is less of an issue

Don’t rule out a Medigap policy just because you never had one. Medigap is the governments official term for a Medicare supplement. Remember,  a Medicare Advantage plan is not a supplement they are two different types of plans.

A supplement does not require that you utilize a network to receive your services. Medicare supplements are standardized plans and it’s easy to compare one to another. With premiums for Medicare Advantage plans in some cases, being higher than some supplement plans, you owe it to yourself to include Medigap when you compare Medicare plans.

This goes without saying but with some people blindly accepting the renewal of their current plan it needs to be stressed. It’s not only an affordability issue but also a value issue. If you are not using the extra benefits such as; vision, dental, gym memberships, catalog discounts, etc., then consider a plan without the extras if it will save you some money.

5. The easiest way to compare Medicare Advantage plans

If you search for plans in your area you will most likely find dozens. Today the simplest way to compare Medicare plans is to compare plan options online. Comparing Medicare Advantage plans can be  hassle-free and you don’t need to meet with countless insurance agents to find the best plan. Visit the Medicare website to see available plans.

The Annual Election Period for plans with a January effective date begins October 15th and ends December 7th. Being prepared can assure that you make a wise choice.