Medicare Advantage

How Medicare Advantage Works

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, the plan provides your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage.

Plans vary by insurance company, plan type, and service area. Costs, provider networks, covered services, prescription drug coverage, and other rules can differ from one plan to another.

Things to Consider

When learning about Medicare Advantage, it can help to ask:

• Are my doctors, hospitals, and other providers included in the plan's network?
• Does the plan cover the prescription drugs I take?
• What costs should I understand, including premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and the yearly out-of-pocket limit?
• Are referrals or prior authorization required for certain services?
• What should I know about using my coverage when traveling or spending time outside my service area?
• Are there other plan rules or features I should understand before enrolling?
• The answers can vary by plan and by where you live.

Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage

Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage are different ways to receive Medicare coverage.

Original Medicare is the federal Medicare program that includes Part A and Part B. You can generally use any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, subject to Medicare's rules.

Medicare Advantage is offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies and provides your Part A and Part B coverage through the plan. Plans may have networks and other rules that affect how you receive care.

Understanding how these approaches differ can help you ask better questions about your own healthcare needs and preferences.

Have Medicare Questions?

Medicare Advantage plans can differ in important ways. We provide general educational information to help you understand the terminology, the questions to ask, and the factors to consider before making a Medicare decision.

Educational Information

Educational information only. Plan availability, premiums, benefits, provider networks, prescription drug coverage, costs, and other plan terms vary by plan and service area. Vidalegacy Insurance Group does not represent every Medicare Advantage plan or every insurance company available in your area.