Choosing the right type of Medicare Part C plan largely depends on their personal preference. If your family member is interested in coverage options that parts A and B don’t offer, try to find a plan that covers all the areas that are important to them.

Here are some things to consider when reviewing plans: Helping a family member or friend choose a Medicare Part C plan can be an in-depth process, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. If you have Medicare coverage but only need additional help with costs, a Medicare supplemental insurance (Medigap) policy might work for you.įor some people, Medicare Part C is an additional cost that they just can’t afford - in this case, shopping around for Part D and Medigap coverage may help save money. If you’re happy with your current Medicare coverage and are only interested in receiving prescription drug coverage, a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan may be the best option. These plans are optional, but if you need more than just basic hospital and medical insurance, Medicare Part C might be a good option for you. PPOs are also convenient because you don’t need a referral to see a specialist. However, PPO plans do charge different rates based on a list of in-network or out-of-network providers. With a PPO plan, you can go to your preferred doctors, specialists, and healthcare facilities, whether or not they are in your plan’s network. This type of plan allows a greater level of freedom for buyers. Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) are the most popular healthcare plan choice for additional coverage.

To enroll in a Medicare Advantage HMO plan, you must already be enrolled in original Medicare. There are many options for Medicare Advantage HMO plans in each state, including plans with $0 premiums, no deductibles, and low copayments. In a Medicare Advantage HMO plan, you can receive care from your plan’s in-network healthcare professionals, but you will need to get a referral to see a specialist. Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans are a popular option for those who want additional coverage not offered by original Medicare. There are two main types of Medicare Advantage plans offered, which we’ll go over in detail next. Some of the major insurance companies that offer Medicare Part C are: If you already receive coverage through a major insurance company, it may offer Medicare Part C plans. What Medicare Part C plans are available?

You can compare and shop for Medicare Part C plans online through Medicare’s plan finder tool.

You can sign up for original Medicare online through the Social Security Administration website.

If you miss the initial enrollment period, open enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7 every year.

You can also apply for Medicare on the month you turn 65 and the 3 months following your 65 th birthday - although your coverage will be delayed.

Enrollment into Medicare is time-sensitive and should be started roughly 3 months before you turn age 65.

what you need to know about enrolling in medicare Before this law, most plans would not accept you or limit you to a Special Needs Plan (SNP) if you had a diagnosis of ESRD. You qualify for Medicare Part C if you already have Medicare parts A and B, and if you live in the service area of the Medicare Part C provider you are considering.ĭue to law passed by Congress that went into effect in 2021, people with end stage renal disease (ESRD) are eligible to enroll in a broader range of Medicare Advantage plans.

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