Medicare Advantage plans offer easy-to-use coverage with extra health and wellness benefits you don’t get from Original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) are provided by companies with a Medicare contract, such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico. They’re usually HMO and PPO managed care plans, like the coverage you may have through your workplace. So you’re probably already familiar with the way a Medicare Advantage plan works.
When you join a Medicare Advantage plan, you are still in Medicare. But you won’t use your Medicare card to obtain services; you’ll use the member ID card from the plan you choose. Your Medicare Advantage plan will provide all of your Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) coverage. It also covers other medically necessary services, such as routine screenings and immunizations.
PLUS, most Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Additional benefits – such as dental, vision and hearing – may also be covered. And Medicare Advantage plans have an out-of-pocket maximum to help protect you from unlimited spending on copays, coinsurance and other medical expenses.
Because Medicare Advantage plans are provided through a contract with Medicare, premiums are generally lower than other alternatives. You’ll probably pay less than the costs of a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan or another private health plan.
SPEAKER 1: You know, my brother Jeff has what I've heard is kind of an all-in-one plan. His Medicare Advantage plan covers the same things as original Medicare but also his vision, dental, and hearing. And his plan also covers prescription drugs. He told me to check for that.
The man loves his free time, so the all-in-one coverage works well for him. I mean, we've worked for so long to retire, who wants to spend more time on hold or doing paperwork?
SPEAKER 2: All-in-one plan-- isn't that expensive?
SPEAKER 1: Well, Jeff doesn't actually have to pay a monthly premium for his plan. And a lot of Part C plans have $0 premiums. Medicare Advantage plans are sold by private health insurers like Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico. So it's perfect if you want to stay with the insurance company you had before retirement. You're still in Medicare, but instead of using your Medicare card to get services, you use your member ID card. And they have Medicare Advantage options to fit any life and budget.
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With Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, you have several Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plan options. So you can expect the same great service you’ve experienced on your workplace plan, even after you’re retired and on Medicare.
Answer a few simple questions and we’ll provide you with a personalized timeline. You’ll also receive reminders with important information and actions you can take to stay on track as you near your Medicare eligibility.
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