What is the Best Medicare Advantage Plan?

MoneyGeek's overall best option for PPO Medicare Advantage plans is Blue Cross Blue Shield. UnitedHealthcare ranked first for HMOs. The best plan for you will depend on the options available in your area and how they meet your specific needs and preferences.

Medicare advantage plans

are another way to get your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage.

Medicare Advantage plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA” plans, are offered by private companies approved by Medicare that must follow the rules set by Medicare. Most Medicare Advantage plans include drug coverage (Part D). In most cases, you'll need to use healthcare providers who are involved in the plan's network. These plans set a limit on what you'll have to pay out-of-pocket each year for covered services.

Some plans offer non-emergency out-of-network coverage, but usually at a higher cost. Remember to use your Medicare Advantage plan card to receive services covered by Medicare. Keep your red, white and blue Medicare card in a safe place because you may need to use your Medicare card for some services. Plus, you'll need it if you ever switch back to Original Medicare.

The following are the most common types of Medicare Advantage plans. Other, less common types of Medicare Advantage plans that may be available include. Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, replace your Original Medicare coverage and can provide additional coverage. We break down the best Medicare Advantage plans from major insurance companies to help you explore the options that best fit your needs.

Kaiser Permanente consistently scores high in its plans and could be a good option for anyone who prioritizes the quality of the Medicare Advantage plan and lives in an area where a Kaiser Medicare plan is available. Price is often the first thing consumers consider in a Medicare Advantage plan. And when shoppers look at Cigna Medicare plans, they're often satisfied with the cost. It's common for many Medicare Advantage plans to offer some additional benefits that Original Medicare (Medicare Pars A and B) doesn't cover, such as dental, vision and hearing, or prescription drug coverage.

However, several Aetna Medicare Advantage plans really go above and beyond when it comes to additional benefits. Some of the additional benefits you can find in an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan can include memberships to the SilverSneakers fitness program, a home meal delivery program, coverage of over-the-counter drugs and health products, home delivery of prescription drugs, and even a concierge service to help plan members find local health resources. Aetna Medicare Advantage plans are some of the best for getting the most out of your Medicare. If you're looking for plan options, Aetna offers some of the best Medicare Advantage plans for a variety of needs.

However, the variety of plans that are available where you live may vary. Therefore, it is important to carefully review the options offered where you live. If customer experience matters to you, Humana offers some of the best Medicare Advantage plans because of their simplicity and ease of use. Considering its relationships with brands like CVS and Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Anthem has some of the best Medicare Advantage plans for names you can trust.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rates all Medicare Advantage plans and insurance companies on a 5-point scale using several quality criteria. The Medicare Advantage plan that's right for you will depend on your health history, prescription drugs, and where you live, among other things. Humana offers a simple, straightforward website with clear plan pricing that doesn't require the user to enter any personal information or create an account to get Medicare Advantage plan quotes. The advantage of a Medicare Advantage plan without drug coverage is that you can save money if you don't need any prescription drugs.

Medicare medical savings account plans are another type of Medicare Advantage plan that combines high-deductible insurance coverage for Medicare Advantage benefits with a medical savings account that you can use to pay for your Medicare-related expenses before you meet the deductible. The convenience of integrating prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D benefits) with Original Medicare benefits is one of the reasons people choose Medicare Advantage plans. Because Medicare Advantage plans include different types of coverage, these plans are best for people who appreciate a comprehensive approach to health insurance. The best Medicare Advantage plan for you will depend on the costs, coverage and extras available in your area and how your options compare to your specific needs, preferences and budget.

Each plan will have a monthly premium (many Medicare Advantage plans don't have a premium) and a maximum out-of-pocket cost, which is the maximum you'll pay in a year for covered health care. Among the Medicare Advantage HMOs available in at least 25 states, MoneyGeek's choice for the best overall insurer is UnitedHealthcare based on Medicare star ratings and the availability of strong additional benefits. It's vital to choose a reliable company to manage your Medicare Advantage benefits and offer exceptional benefits. Working with an independent Medicare insurance agent or broker could help you navigate the plans available in your area.

Medicare Advantage plans without prescription drug coverage are best for people who have strong coverage through another source, such as an employer or union, TRICARE through the Department of Veterans Affairs or Indigenous Health Services. In addition, as a Medicare expert, Stacy provides high-quality Medicare information to beneficiaries eager to learn more about their health care coverage. Even if you enroll in the best Medicare Advantage plan in your area, you may still be subject to one of these common Medicare Advantage restrictions.

Elise Woehl
Elise Woehl

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