Benefits Florida Medicare Advantage Plans
The Difference Bewteen Orginal Medicare and Medicare Advantage
There are many differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans in Florida. To understand these differences is another story.
Nationwide, people are moving to Florida to retire. With warm climate all year around and sandy beaches, you can’t blame them. With retiring or reaching the age of 65 years old comes planning. One thing often overlooked is Healthcare. Many people just believe they get enrolled in Medicare and that’s it. However, Medicare comes with many gaps in coverage such as dental and vision. Don’t worry, you have options. You can stay on Medicare and get a supplemental plan or enroll in Medicare Advantage.
What’s original Medicare and how is it different than Medicare Advantage Plans in Florida?
With original Medicare, your benefits come from the Federal Government. Original Medicare comes in two parts, Part A and Part B. Medicare Part A is your hospital insurance. Whereas Medicare Part B is your medical insurance that covers medical services and supplies.
Many seniors on original Medicare may pick up a supplemental plan. Medicare supplemental plans pick up Medicare’s co-insurance amounts. They also pick up Medicare Part D plan to assist with prescription costs. These plans do have their own premiums, which would be in addition to the Part B premium of $144.60 a month.
Medicare Advantage
An alternative plan you might want to take a look at is the Medicare Advantage plans in Florida. These plans provide Medicare benefits through a private-sector health insurance carrier. Original Medicare comes with many different parts. Whereas, Medicare Advantage is like having an all-in-one healthcare solution. Medicare Advantage looks and works very much like what many people had under employment or group coverage.
There are many benefits of choosing a Medicare Advantage plan that you need to consider.
- A broader scope of coverage such as vision and dental that many seniors need. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer a variety of additional benefits such as wellness or fitness memberships, telemedicine and even call alert systems at no additional costs.
- With all these added features you might think there would be added costs to your premiums. However, many seniors find their premiums are lower and may also have lower out of pocket costs.
- Many people are worried about hitting their maximum out-of-pocket limits with original Medicare. If you end up reaching your maximum out-of-pocket limits, you may see your costs go up.
- Do you travel abroad or like to cruise? Original Medicare doesn’t offer overseas coverage. However, Medicare Advantage does have some plans that will cover you while over-seas.
With many advantages with Medicare Advantage there are a few disadvantages to consider.
- One of the biggest disadvantages is that you have to pick participating physicians that work with your plan. Going outside of network with Medicare Advantage nay result in additional cost. Unlike Original Medicare that is national program that provides more flexibility with which doctors you can see.
- Because Medicare Advantage works within networks you may need a doctor’s referral and plan authorization before a non-emergency hospital stay. This includes certain medical equipment or to see specialists.
