Medicare Advantage Plans

Frequently Asked Questions I

Medicare Advantage plans can provide additional coverage in various areas of health including dental, vision, and hearing, and most plans also include prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans are optional Medicare plans offered by Medicare-approved private companies and available to people already enrolled in both Medicare Part A (hospital) and Medicare Part B (medical).

Following are some frequently asked questions and answers about Medicare Advantage plans.

Are there any Medicare Advantage Plans that currently do not cover prescription drugs?

Yes. Although most Medicare Advantage Plans provide prescription drug coverage, some do not. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers a Medicare prescription drug plan, you must take the drug coverage along with the rest of your plan. If you do not want your Medicare Advantage Plan to include drug coverage, you should choose a plan that better meets your needs.

If you want prescription drug coverage but are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan that does not offer this benefit, you may consider switching at your earliest opportunity to a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers prescription drug coverage. Another option is to switch to Original Medicare and a supplementary drug plan.

How can I learn more about the benefits other Medicare health plans offer and what they cost?

Information about plan premiums and benefits is available 24/7 in English and Spanish at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048). Representatives can answer any questions about Original Medicare and provide current information about Medicare health plans available in your area.

Can I join another Medicare + Choice Plan if I have permanent kidney failure (End-Stage Renal Disease or ESRD) and my current Medicare + Choice Plan will no longer provide coverage in my area?

If you have permanent kidney failure, you have a one-time right to join a new Medicare + Choice Plan if your plan stops providing coverage in your area. This one-time right does not have to be used immediately. If you switch directly from your Medicare + Choice Plan to Original Medicare, you can exercise your one-time right to join a new Medicare + Choice Plan at a later time that falls within an enrollment period.

If you have further questions about Medicare Advantage or any other aspect of Medicare, contact MedicareMall now and let us lead you with confidence through the Medicare maze!

1| 2| 3|
Medicare Advantage Plans Index
Back to top