The more you know, the more likely you are to get the plan that’s right for you.

A Medicare Advantage Plan is a type of Medicare health plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare to provide you with all your Part A and Part B benefits.

Medicare Advantage, Part C plans, are also known as MA or MAPD’s. They are an alternative to Original Medicare that’s provided by the federal government. You must continue to pay your Part B premium and live in the service area. Plans must cover all services that Original Medicare covers and follow rules set by Medicare. MAPD’s offer worldwide emergency coverage and protect your out-of-pocket costs with annual maximums in a way Original Medicare doesn’t. Most Medicare Advantage plans also provide prescription drug coverage. In addition, some plans may offer other benefits such as vision, hearing and dental.

Medicare Advantage plans are not the same as a Medicare supplement insurance plan (Medigap policy).

Three types of Medicare Advantage Plans.

1. HMO: Health Maintenance Organization
• Choose from a Network of providers.
• Primary Care Physician (PCP) typically required.
• Requires referrals to specialists.
• Generally lower out of pocket costs.

2. HMO-Special Needs Plans SNP:
• Chronic condition plans for those with certain ongoing medical conditions such as diabetes, heart or lung conditions.

3. PPO: Preferred Provider Organization
• May have a monthly premium in addition to Part B premium.
• With In-Network providers you may pay lower cost sharing.
• Out-of-Network providers may have higher out of pocket costs.
• Allows you see any PCP or specialist without a referral-who accepts Medicare and the plan terms.