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WHAT IS A MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN?​

Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Part C, bundle Part A, Part B, and often Part D into an all-in-one plan. They help reduce premium costs and typically include extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing aid coverage. 

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The availability of these plans varies by state. Some states offer all plan types, while others may have limited options or none at all. For details on the Advantage Plans accessible in your state, contact Van Hal Insurance Services.

HOW DO ADVANTAGE PLANS WORK?

When you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare pays a set amount each month to the private company running your plan. Each plan has its own rules and costs, including whether referrals are required to see specialists or if you must use in-network providers for non-urgent care. These rules can change every year.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS?

At the start of each year on January 1st, the private company managing each plan determines the costs enrollees must pay for premiums, deductibles, services, items, and prescription drugs. These costs are set by the company, not Medicare. Additionally, enrollees are still responsible for paying the Part B premium, which most individuals pay at the standard rate each month.

 

When calculating your out-of-pocket expenses in a Medicare Advantage Plan, it’s important to account for more than just your premium, deductible, copayments, and coinsurance. Key factors to consider include:

  • The type of health care services you require and how frequently you need them.

  • Whether your doctor or supplier accepts the Medicare-approved amount as full payment for covered services.

  • Whether your doctors or suppliers are within the plan's network.

  • Any extra benefits the plan offers beyond Part A and Part B, and whether additional costs apply to access these benefits.

  • Whether you have Medicaid or state assistance through a Medicare Savings Program to help cover Medicare costs.

  • The maximum out-of-pocket limit established by your plan, including limits for out-of-network services.

Carefully evaluating these factors can help you make an informed decision about whether a Medicare Advantage Plan aligns with your needs and preferences.

Van Hal Insurance Services works with the best insurance providers. We do business with these fine companies:

Allianz · Allstate · Ameritas · Avesis · Blue Cross Blue Shield · Delta Dental · EMI Health · Guardian

Illinois Mutual · Medica · Medicare · Mutual of Omaha · Principal · Sanford Health · Spirit Dental & Vision · UnitedHealthcare

Please get in touch if you have any questions about any of these providers.

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©2018 by Van Hal Insurance Services.

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