How to Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan
Medicare Advantage Plans Include Dental, Vision and Hearing
Navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming but understanding your Medicare Advantage options can make a big difference in accessing quality healthcare. Medicare Advantage enrollment is time-sensitive with specific periods in which to sign up. For many people, Medicare Advantage plans provide additional health benefits with more flexibility than Original Medicare.
What is Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part C?
Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is an alternative care model, offering additional benefits and services with highly competitive rates. Medicare Advantage plans (an HMO or PPO) manage the patients’ needs by combining hospital, medical and prescription drug coverage under a single plan.
Original Medicare operates on a fee-for-service basis more like traditional insurance plans with provider networks. Offered by private insurers and regulated by the federal government, Medicare Advantage plans are designed to cover everything that Original Medicare covers, plus much more.
- Medicare Part C plans are affordable, attractive medical options that cover medical and hospital services.
- Medicare Part D encompasses pharmacy and prescription drug coverage.
Learn about recent changes to Medicare Part D →
Medicare plans vary widely, so compare different health insurance plans. Still, there are common benefits between plans, which may include:
- Vision, dental and hearing. Many plans cover routine services like eye exams, dental cleanings and hearing tests.
- Wellness and exercise programs. Certain plans offer memberships to fitness centers and wellness programs (like smoking cessation). Preventive treatments and interventions like these help seniors maintain more active lifestyles.
- Additional support. Certain plans cover other helpful services too, such as transportation to and from medical appointments, home healthcare aides and nutrition (or dietician) services.
Enrollment periods for Medicare Advantage plans
Medicare Advantage special enrollment periods are time-sensitive with specific periods in which to sign up or make changes. Other Medicare enrollment windows are:
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). You’ll first become eligible for Medicare around age 65, or younger than age 65 with extenuating circumstances. Enrolling during IEP ensures that medical coverage starts promptly and bypasses penalties or coverage gaps.
- Annual Enrollment Period(AEP). AEP is October 15-December 7 when you may join or switch plans.
- Special Enrollment Period. You enroll outside of standard periods due to life transitions, such as losing employer coverage or moving out of state.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment. From January 1-March 31, members already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can make a change: Either switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or revert to Original Medicare.
Special enrollment periods are designed to accommodate life transitions and support the health and medical needs of older adults throughout the stages of their lives.
Understanding Original Medicare
Established in 1965, Original Medicare is a federal program consisting of two parts:
- Medicare Part A (hospital insurance). Covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care and some home healthcare.
- Medicare Part B (medical insurance). Covers certain doctor’s services, outpatient care, medical supplies and preventive services.
Together, Parts A and B can provide essential healthcare coverage. Original Medicare has some gaps, though, and generally doesn’t cover prescription drugs or routine dental, hearing or vision services.
Enroll in a Prominence Medicare Advantage plan
Enrollees pay a monthly premium, which varies by plan and location, as well as copayments for services. Some Medicare Advantage plans have $0 monthly premiums but that can mean higher copays. Additionally, all Medicare Advantage plans cap annual out-of-pocket costs, protecting enrollees from excessive medical expenses.
Enroll online now
Call 866-747-8855 to join a Prominence Medicare Advantage plan during an enrollment period. Our provider network presently offers members access to quality medical services in Florida, Nevada and Texas.
* All benefits not available on all plans
Enroll in a Prominence Health Plan Medicare Advantage plan.
The comprehensive provider network offers members excellent access to quality medical services.
