
If you did not utilize one of the enrollment periods above, you may be eligible to join a Medicare Advantage plan or switch coverage under certain circumstances. If you join a Medicare Advantage plan during this period, your coverage will begin on January 1 as long as your plan provider receives your request to join by December 7. During this time, anyone with Medicare can add, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare’s Annual Election Period occurs every year between October 15 and December 7. If you have Medicare Part A and sign up for Part B for the first time during this period, you will be able to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan between April 1 and June 30 during the same year. Your plan coverage will begin on July 1 if you decide to get Medicare Advantage during this period. If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch plans (subject to some restrictions), or switch back to Original Medicare between January 1 and March 31 every year. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period Your Initial Enrollment Period lasts a total of seven months. Three months before your 65th birthday, includes the month you turn age 65, and ends three months after your 65th birthday month. This begins when you first become eligible for Medicare and begins There are four enrollment periods during which you can either enroll, drop, or switch a Medicare Advantage plan: Initial Enrollment Period In contrast, with Original Medicare, you can go to just about any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare in the United States. Some Medicare Advantage plans do not cover services or providers outside of the plan’s network or service area, which could limit your options. To be eligible, patients must be recovering from a covered hospital stay and have inpatient benefit days remaining. If you need health services outside of the United States, a Medigap policy may cover you for limited care in foreign countries.Īlthough Medicare Advantage plans do not cover most long-term care placements, it does cover long-term care if you need skilled and specialized nursing services for a qualifying medical condition. Medically unnecessary services, including most cosmetic surgeries.Most long-term care placements for custodial care, which includes help with eating, using the restroom, bathing, and dressing.Medicare Advantage, like Original Medicare, does not cover the following: Post-hospitalization meal delivery services (in certain circumstances).Routine vision services, including contact lenses and eyeglasses.Regular hearing services, including hearing aids.Over-the-counter allowance for medical-related items, such as vitamins and bandages.Some Medicare Advantage plans may also include services that aren’t covered under Original Medicare or Part D in some areas. Some Medicare Advantage plans also feature a deductible for prescription drugs, which is paid out of pocket until it is met and your drug coverage activates. The copayment amount depends on the type of drug and the plan. Most Medicare Advantage plans require copayments for prescription medication. But if you have a health maintenance organization (HMO) or preferred provider organization (PPO), you will not be eligible to join a Part D plan. If you have a Private Fee-for-Service medical savings account or plan, you can join a Part D plan. Note that not everyone will be eligible for a Part D plan. If you have Original Medicare, Part D must be purchased separately for coverage. In contrast to Original Medicare, most Medicare Advantage plans include Medicare Part D, which provides prescription drug coverage. Medical equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, etc.ĭepending on the specific care needed, your plan may require a copayment.Preventive services, such as routine health screenings and patient counselingĮxamples of services covered by Medicare Part B include:.Medically necessary services, such as care or supplies needed to treat or diagnose a medical condition.Medicare Advantage, like Medicare Part B, covers two types of services: Depending on the length of your stay, your plan may require a copayment. Medicare Advantage has the same hospital care benefits as Medicare Part A, including coverage for medically necessary nursing home care and at least 90 days of inpatient care. Medicare Advantage plan benefits include: Hospital Costs For example, most Medicare Advantage plans also include Part D (prescription D coverage). Medicare Advantage plans cover services typically covered under Original Medicare Parts A and B, and may include additional benefits.
