Navigating the different parts of Medicare doesn’t have to be difficult. That’s why at My Healthcare Direct, we are dedicated to providing you with the information you need to make the best decision on your healthcare coverage!
So, if you find yourself interested in a Medicare Advantage plan and you’re unsure of how you may qualify, we’ve got you covered.
Medicare Advantage Eligibility & Coverage
Private companies offer Medicare Advantage plans. These private insurers work with Medicare, so Medicare Advantage plans can provide the same benefits as Original Medicare (Part A and B). In addition to providing Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, they may also offer additional coverage, such as vision and dental benefits, for example.
Generally, you can get Medicare if one of these conditions applies:
- You are at least 65 years old. You may be eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan if you have both Part A and Part B.
- You are disabled and receive disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.
- You have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease.
- You can qualify for Medicare before age 65 if you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), but there is a chance that you will not qualify for a Medicare Advantage plan with ESRD.
- You must live within the service area of the plan. Medicare Advantage plans have service areas or designated regions licensed by a state and approved by Medicare to provide coverage.
Frequently, Medicare Advantage plans also have networks of contracted healthcare facilities and professionals who deliver covered services to the plan’s members. Therefore, you must sign-up for a Medicare Advantage plan that is available where you live.
Signing Up for Medicare Advantage
As previously mentioned, you can only enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan if you are currently enrolled in Original Medicare. You can typically switch to Medicare Advantage once you reach the Annual Election Period, which is from October 15 through December 7 of every year. During this period, you can make several changes to your coverage. Switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan is one of those changes.
You can also use a Special Enrollment Period as long as you qualify for it. For example, suppose you move and need a new plan, and you find a Medicare Advantage plan in your area that provides the coverage you need. In that case, you could qualify for a Special Enrollment Period and potentially enroll in the Medicare Advantage plan.
Enjoying Medicare Advantage can be quick and stress-free. So call us at (888) 959-1028 today to get the coverage you need!