How do I get a Medicare advantage plan?
You are generally eligible for a Medicare Advantage Plan if you meet these conditions:
- You have Medicare Part A and Part B
- You live in the service area of the plan
If you meet the above requirements you may enroll in any Medicare advantage plan that is available in your geographic area and accepts new members. As insurers are not allowed to weed applicants out based upon risks or existing health conditions, advantage plans make a good choice for less healthy applicants.
There are certain things you need to know about Medicare advantage plans (MAPs) before you enroll. Advantage plans basically replace your Medicare coverage, which means your health care cost coverage will not be provided by Medicare anymore, but by a private insurance company approved by Medicare.
When enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan you will have to continue to pay your monthly Medicare Part B premium to Medicare. The coverage you will receive will be at least adequate to what original Medicare covers; depending on the plan, it might even include some extra benefits (such as, for example, vision or prescription drug coverage) for no extra payment. In addition to the included benefits, many providers offer a wide array of add-on coverage which can be added onto your plan for a slightly higher premium, in order to enjoy a well-rounded health care package.
For those with special health conditions, there are specialized plans available.
If you are eligible but missed the Initial Enrollment period, you can only join an advantage plan between October 15 and December 7. Note that enrolling in a Medicare advantage plan does not mean that you lose your original Medicare. If you are enrolled in a plan and find that original Medicare suited you better, you can switch back to Medicare between January 1 and February 14 each year.
