Medicare Advantage Plans are available in Florida from a variety of insurance providers. These plans offer an alternative to traditional Medicare and can provide you with several benefits that aren’t available through original Medicare. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of Advantage Plans available in Florida, as well as the benefits they offer. We will also help you decide which plan is right for you!
Medicare Part C
Medicare Advantage Plans offer a few key differences that distinguish them from Parts A and B of the Original Medicare system managed by the federal government. While Part A pays for inpatient care at a hospital and Part B covers services and supplies used to treat or prevent medical conditions, Medicare Advantage Plans come with a few added benefits. They must offer the equal benefits to that of Medicare. As well as include additional health care benefits, such as prescription drug coverage, routine hearing, vision, and dental exams, and fitness club memberships as well as:
- In 2022, there are 583 Medicare Advantage Plans available in Florida
- 100% of the total Medicare population in Florida has access to a Medicare Advantage Plan with a $0 monthly premium in 2022
- In 2022, the average monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage Plan in Florida is $8.54, an increase from $8.36 in 2021
- 163 Medicare Advantage Plans offer innovative benefits, such as wellness and health care planning, reduced cost-sharing, and rewards and incentives programs in 2022
Designed to be an all-in-one solution, Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies. There are several types of Medicare Advantage Plans available, depending on your insurance provider and location. Learn the differences between these plans and how they affect your coverage so that you can make the right choice for your medical situation.
What Do Advantage Plans Cover?
All Medicare Advantage Plans must include Part A and Part B coverage. Most plans also offer prescription drug coverage as part of the plan, which is not available through Original Medicare. In addition, some Advantage Plans offer extra benefits that are not covered under Parts A and B. These benefits can vary depending on the type of plan you choose and the insurance company you select. Some of the most common extra benefits include:
- Routine dental and vision care
- Gym memberships
- Transportation to and from medical appointments
- Meals delivered to your home after a hospital stay
- Over-the-counter medications
Types of Advantage Plans in Florida
Florida has several different plans available. The type of plan you choose will affect your coverage and benefits. The most common types of Advantage Plans are:
- Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
- Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs)
- Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans
- Special Needs Plans (SNPs)
- Medicare Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs)
HMO plans require you to get your care from a network provider. You will need to select a primary care physician from this network who will coordinate your care. In most cases, you will need to get a referral from your primary care physician to see a specialist.
PPO plans also have a network of approved doctors, specialists, and hospitals. However, you can see any doctor or specialist that accepts the plan’s terms and conditions. You will usually pay less for services if you received them from an in-network provider. With a PPO plan, you do not need to select a primary care physician or get a referral to see a specialist.
PFFS plans are offered by private insurance companies and provide coverage for any Medicare-approved doctor or hospital that accepts the plan’s terms and conditions. You do not need to select a primary care physician or get referrals to see specialists.
SNP plans are offered to people with specific diseases or conditions, such as diabetes or end-stage renal disease. These plans provide coverage for the services you need to manage your condition.
MSAs are offered by private insurance companies and allow you to use a combination of Medicare-approved doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers. With this type of plan, you will be responsible for paying a deductible and coinsurance.
How to Enroll in an Advantage Plan
If you want to enroll in an Advantage Plan, you must first have Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. You can then contact your insurance company or visit the Medicare website to compare plans and enroll in the plan of your choice.
You can also enroll in an Advantage Plan during the annual Medicare open enrollment period. During this time, you can switch to a different Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare. You can also make changes to your prescription drug coverage during this period.
The annual Medicare open enrollment period is from October 15 to December 7th.
If you have any questions about Advantage Plans in Florida, or if you need help enrollment, please contact our office. We would be happy to assist you.