The Value of Staying with Your Medicare Advantage Plan: A Closer Look
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans have become increasingly popular among members or those deemed Medicare eligible and for good reason. These plans offer a wide range of benefits that can greatly enhance your healthcare coverage and overall well-being.
But what makes these plans a good option? And why should you renew your Medicare Advantage coverage?
Understanding Medicare Advantage
Before diving into the reasons for staying with a Medicare Advantage plan, let's first understand what Medicare Advantage is. Medicare Advantage plans are private health insurance options approved by Medicare. They generally combine Original Medicare (Parts A & B) with prescription drug coverage (Part D) and provide additional perks and benefits like dental coverage, fitness programs and over-the-counter stipends.
One of the key features of Medicare Advantage plans is their robust network of healthcare providers because they are offered through health insurance companies like AZ Blue. Medicare Advantage allows plan holders to manage all of their healthcare needs in one single place.
The Benefits of Staying with Your Current Medicare Coverage
If you already have an AZ Blue Medicare Advantage plan, you are well on your way to getting healthcare that is tailored to your specific needs and concerns. Here are the key reasons you should keep your current coverage.
Cost Control: Financial Benefits of Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans have the potential to save you money. Original Medicare comes with deductibles and coinsurance, which may lead to more medical expenses during the year. Medicare Advantage plans often have out-of-pocket maximums. This means there is a maximum you will pay for your healthcare each year. Typically, these numbers are low and give peace of mind to members on fixed incomes.
Some Medicare Advantage plans come with $0 monthly premiums and $0 deductibles. Plan options may even include $0 or low copays to see specialists like cardiologists or urologists. This affordability can make healthcare more accessible for members who may be on a tight budget.
Healthy Extras: Wellness Benefits of Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans go beyond your typical medical and hospital coverage. They combine many of the different healthcare services you may need, like dental, hearing aids and prescription coverage.
Medicare Advantage plans include these to ensure members are getting comprehensive care as they age. For example, hearing loss can significantly impact mental health, but Medicare Advantage plans encourage you to get care by making things like hearing aids more affordable to members.
Some of the perks that AZ Blue Medicare Advantage plans come with are:
- Quarterly over-the-counter stipends
- SilverSneakers® fitness benefits
- Yearly eyewear allowances
Encourages Healthy Habits: Preventive Services
Medicare Advantage plans aim to give you the tools and resources you need to prevent common healthcare problems before they can begin. Plans offer low or no-cost preventive services like flu shots, annual physical and wellness exams, and screenings like those for colorectal or breast cancer. Catching these diseases provides you with better outcomes and keeps you healthier for longer.
Plans also typically come with access to care management teams that help you maintain your health even when you have chronic conditions.
Consistent Care: Network Benefits of Medicare Advantage
Building your care team takes time and effort. You must vet different doctors and determine if they are the right fit for how you like to receive care and the conditions you may have. Staying with your Medicare Advantage plan often lets you keep those doctors that you already know and trust. Consistent care can have an impact on your quality of life.
Easy Renewal
For some people, each October or November brings about open enrollment season where they have to elect their healthcare options for the next year. If you have signed up for a Medicare Advantage plan you get to skip that step! Once you’ve enrolled in a plan, your coverage automatically renews with new benefits each calendar year. You don’t have to take any action!
If you do wish to choose a different Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare option, you have that option during open enrollment from October 15 to December 7 of each year.
If you are new to Medicare Advantage, have questions about your coverage and benefits or are looking to explore your other AZ Blue Medicare Advantage plans, we are here to help! Our team is ready to chat Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Arizona time) Call us: (888) 288-4398; 711.
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Last updated: 10/19/2023