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Medicare Advantage
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Alaska

Medicare Advantage Plans in Alaska

Find Plans in your area with your ZIP Code

Medicare Advantage plans are private health plans available to people with Medicare benefits. Unlike Original Medicare, they are not the same in all states. In fact, plans in every Alaska Borough are different. For this reason, you must shop and compare plans locally.

Use our zip code lookup above to see which plans are available in your region. Or click below to select your county. Keep reading to learn more about the Medicare Advantage program in Alaska.

Compare the Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Alaska by County

Aleutians East
Aleutians West
Anchorage
Bethel
Bristol Bay
Denali
Dillingham
Fairbanks North Star
Haines
Juneau
Kenai Peninsula
Ketchikan Gateway
Kodiak Island
Kusilvak
Lake And Peninsula
Nome
North Slope
Northwest Arctic
Sitka
Southeast Fairbanks
Yakutat
If you qualify for Medicare but don't know where to begin, we have licensed agents[1] at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711) who can answer your questions and help you get enrolled. There's no obligation.

What are Medicare Advantage Plans and Can I Get One in Alaska?

Unlike Original Medicare, which only covers major medical costs, a Medicare Advantage plan, sometimes called Medicare Part C, can include many extras, including prescription drug coverage, vision, hearing, dental, and fitness, just to name a few. And, good news, they are available in Alaska. But you must have both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B benefits to join a plan.

While it is nice to have coverage for minor medical costs, such as a prescription drug plan, you must understand exactly what you get when you join a Medicare Advantage plan in Alaska. In particular, you need to know that these plans have complete control over your access to doctors and other healthcare providers. If you've ever had a managed care insurance plan (HMO, PPO, etc.) through an employer, you already know what to expect.

Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare: Is There a Big Difference?

The best way to understand the differences between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) is to evaluate the pros and cons of each type of coverage.

Pros and Cons: Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

  • When you have Original Medicare, you are free to use any Medicare-approved doctor you choose. When you join a Medicare Advantage plan, your choices are limited to the plan's network of Alaska providers.
  • If you travel frequently or you are a snowbird and winter or summer in another state, your Original Medicare coverage remains the same. It goes where you go. This is not true with Alaska Medicare Advantage plans, which are only required to cover you if you have a medical emergency.
  • With Original Medicare, there are no limits on your out-of-pocket costs. However, all Alaska Medicare Advantage plans have an annual maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limit. If you reach the MOOP spending limit on your copays and coinsurance, the plan picks up the tab for the remainder of the year.
  • If you want prescription coverage and have Original Medicare, you must purchase a Medicare Part D plan. However, most Medicare Advantage plans include a Alaska Medicare Part D plan. Just be aware that a stand-alone Part D plan gives you the best opportunity to get your most expensive prescriptions at the lowest cost.
  • In the Medicare Advantage program, the government allows plans to set their own copays and coinsurance for each healthcare service offered. This makes comparing plans difficult, at best. However, in the Original Medicare system, deductibles and coinsurance are fixed, making them predictable. Plus, you can get a Medigap plan to help pay these costs.
  • There are eligibility requirements with Medicare Advantage plans. For example, you must have both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B to join, and you cannot have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or one of a handful of other diseases.

Alaska Medigap Coverage vs. Medicare Advantage

Most Alaska seniors just getting their Medicare benefits want to know which type of plan is better. We commonly see these three questions:

  • Why are Medicare Advantage plans bad?
  • What are the disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans?
  • Is it better to have Medicare Advantage or Medigap?

Let's take a minute or two to compare and contrast, shall we?

Why Alaska Medicare Advantage Plans are Bad

This is a myth. There's nothing wrong with Medicare Advantage plans. Over 42 percent of all Medicare beneficiaries in Alaska choose Medicare Advantage enrollment over traditional Medicare. What you really need to know is that these plans are not for everyone, and for some Alaska seniors they are a disadvantage.

A good way to figure out which coverage is best for you is to look at your health and your finances. If you have one or more chronic conditions and you can afford a supplement, traditional Medicare is likely the best option because you have the ability to choose your doctors. Conversely, if you are super healthy, or you are unable to afford a Medicare supplement, then Medicare Advantage is a viable option.

Here's the fundamental truth. Medicare plus a Medigap plan works best for people with chronic health conditions. It's also the best coverage for people who can afford a higher monthly premium, even if they rarely see a doctor.

You can learn more about what Medicare supplements are available to you on our Alaska Medigap Plan Finder page.

The Disadvantage of Medicare Advantage Plans if You Live in Alaska

The disadvantage of Medicare Advantage plans is the strength of Alaska Medigap plans. You see, when you take doctor choice out of the equation, the big difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap is when you pay for services. It's that same no matter what type of Medicare Advantage plan you're evaluating (e.g., HMO, PPO, PFFS, Cost, or HSA).

Medicare Advantage plans have a monthly premium, but it's generally less than a Medicare supplement, and some plans even have a $0 premium. But, you also pay when you use health care. These are the copayments. It does not matter if you have a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan or a Preferred Provider Plan (PPO). Most of your out-of-pocket costs come when you use healthcare services.

With a Medicare supplement plan, you pay most of your costs in advance with monthly premiums. Depending on the level of coverage you choose, the plan can cover all of your copays, coinsurance, and deductibles except the annual Part B deductible. This makes your monthly healthcare costs more predictable, particularly if you have serious health problems.

Is it better to have Medicare Advantage in Alaska or Medigap?

  • If you can afford Medigap Plan F, G, or N, then keep your Original Medicare and add one of these supplements. These plans help you manage your out-of-pocket costs the best, giving you complete peace of mind.
  • If you are a healthy senior and have good health in your family heritage, Medigap Plan N will let you save money by sharing some costs when you see your doctor. The plan benefits are excellent, and you pay just a little to see your doctor (up to $25 per visit).
  • If you are a healthy senior but you cannot afford a Medigap Plan F, G, or N, Medicare Advantage is a good choice. Both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage cover preventive care at no additional cost to keep you healthy
  • If you are turning age 65, have one or more chronic health conditions that require frequent doctor visits, and you do not qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligible), the most Medigap coverage you can afford is the best option.
  • If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, regardless of your health condition, Medicare Advantage is your best option.
  • If you have special needs (i.e., a full-time nursing home resident, diabetes, etc.) and an appropriate Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan (SNP) is available, this is your best option.
  • With both Medigap and Medicare Advantage, you must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium (it typically comes straight out of your Social Security income, unless you're not yet taking it).
  • With Medicare supplement insurance, there are no service area restrictions. With Medicare Advantage, you must receive care within the plan's provider network unless you need emergency care.
  • Medicare Advantage plans have an enrollment period. You get an individual enrollment period when you're first eligible. After that, there's an annual enrollment period to switch plans or go back to Original Medicare. Medigap plans do not have the same restrictions, but you can be turned down if you leave a Medigap plan and later want to come back. Medicare Advantage plans cannot generally turn you down as a Medicare supplement insurance company can.

Find Plans in your area with your ZIP Code

References

medicare.gov ssa.gov cms.gov

This Medicare Advantage state information page was last updated on .