Medicare Advantage Plans
A Medicare Advantage Plan is a version of Original Medicare sold by a private company that contracts with Medicare to provide your Part A and Part B benefits.
Medicare Advantage Plans include HMOS, PPOs, Private Fee-for-Service Plans,. Special Needs Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans. The majority of Medicare Advantage Plans also offer prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Advantage Plans are required to cover all of the services that Original Medicare covers except hospice care. Original Medicare covers hospice if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan. you’re always covered for emergency and urgently needed care with all Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare Advantage Plans may offer extra benefits, such as gym memberships, vision, hearing, dental, and/or health and wellness programs. Most include Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D).
If you have VA coverage and are currently enrolled in Medicare Part B, a Medicare Advantage plan will provide coverage for non-VA providers and facilities at no additional premium.
It is recommended to contact your plan for a written advance coverage decision to make sure a service is medically necessary and will be covered. If you’re not sure the plan will pay for a particular service, ask for an advance coverage decision to avoid paying all of the costs.
