Your Guide to Medicare Advantage in Boone County, AR
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In Boone County, Arkansas, there are 31 Medicare Advantage Plans available for the 2025. From basics to specialized care, each of the 31 plans caters to distinct health needs and priorities. Our guide will help you weigh your options so you can make an informed decision.
Available Medicare Advantage Plans in Boone County, Arkansas
Find your Medicare Advantage Plan options in Boone County below. Click on any of the 31 plans to access full details, including coverage and costs.
Boone County, Arkansas Medicare Advantage Plans
| Plan Name | Type | Premium | MOOP | Rx Ded. | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC AR-0001 | HMO-POS | $0 | $5,700 | $340 | |
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC AR-0002 | HMO-POS | $32 | $4,900 | $340 | |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Giveback from UHC AR-3 | HMO-POS | $0 | $8,900 | $570 | |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx AR-MA01 | HMO-POS | $0 | $6,700 | N/A | |
| Aetna Medicare Eagle Giveback | PPO | $0 | $7,900 | N/A | |
| Aetna Medicare Elite | PPO | $0 | $7,900 | $590 | |
| Aetna Medicare Freedom | PPO | $0 | $7,900 | $590 | |
| Aetna Medicare Premier Plus | PPO | $0 | $7,900 | $0 | |
| Aetna Medicare Value Plus | PPO | $1 | $8,900 | $590 | |
| BlueMedicare Independence | HMO | $21 | $4,000 | $590 | |
| BlueMedicare Preferred | PFFS | $38 | $7,500 | $490 | |
| BlueMedicare Premier | HMO | $0 | $6,000 | $100 | |
| BlueMedicare Value | PFFS | $39 | $7,500 | N/A | |
| Humana Gold Plus H5619-111 | HMO-POS | $0 | $3,700 | $200 | |
| Humana USAA Honor Giveback | PPO | $0 | $4,500 | N/A | |
| Humana USAA Honor Giveback | PPO | $0 | $6,700 | N/A | |
| Humana USAA Honor Giveback | Regional PPO | $0 | $5,000 | N/A | |
| HumanaChoice Giveback H5216-264 | PPO | $0 | $7,925 | $590 | |
| HumanaChoice H5216-083 | PPO | $46 | $6,750 | $0 | |
| HumanaChoice H5216-231 | PPO | $0 | $4,800 | $250 | |
| HumanaChoice H5216-337 | PPO | $0 | $5,100 | $250 | |
| HumanaChoice R1532-002 | Regional PPO | $91 | $7,200 | $590 | |
| Wellcare Assist | HMO-POS | $18 | $4,800 | $580 | |
| Wellcare Giveback | HMO-POS | $0 | $7,550 | $420 | |
| Wellcare Patriot Giveback Preferred | HMO-POS | $0 | $4,900 | N/A | |
| Wellcare Simple | HMO-POS | $0 | $4,800 | $420 | |
| BlueMedicare Freedom Giveback | PPO | $0 | $4,500 | N/A | |
| BlueMedicare Premier Choice | PPO | $49 | $5,700 | $0 | |
| BlueMedicare Saver Choice | PPO | $0 | $6,000 | $250 | |
| UHC Medicare Advantage AM-0002 | Regional PPO | $89 | $8,700 | $495 | |
| **Certain PFFS, MSA, and HMO-POS plans have a combined in and out-of-network maximum. Limits are detailed on the plan pages. | |||||
Understanding Your Medicare Advantage Options
Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are private health plans that provide all-in-one coverage, including Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance). On top of the core benefits, many of the plans in Boone County throw in some nice extras - think prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and wellness programs - making them a solid choice for those in Mohave County looking for something more than Original Medicare.
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): Members must use the plan's network of doctors and hospitals in Boone County, and typically need a referral to see a specialist. Some Medicare Advantage HMO Plans may have lower costs but offer less flexibility in choosing healthcare providers.
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): Offers more provider flexibility, allowing members to see any doctor or specialist without a referral, often at a higher cost. Medicare Advantage PPO Plans generally have higher premiums and out-of-pocket expenses compared to HMOs.
- Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS): Allows members to visit any Medicare-approved doctor or hospital in Boone County that accepts the plan's payment terms. Medicare PFFS plans offer more flexibility but may result in higher costs.
- Medicare Savings Account (MSA): Combines a high-deductible Medicare Advantage plan with a tax-advantaged savings account. The plan deposits money into the account each year, which you can use for healthcare expenses before your deductible is met. MSAs offer control over healthcare spending, with the potential to save on future costs if the savings account funds are not fully used.
Another option you might encounter is the HMO-POS plan, a type of Medicare Advantage plan that provides more flexibility compared to a standard HMO. While it still requires members to use a network of doctors and hospitals and typically requires referrals to see specialists, an HMO-POS plan stands out by allowing members to access certain healthcare services outside of the network, though at a higher cost.
Advantages of Enrolling in Medicare Advantage
Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan can offer significant benefits compared to Original Medicare. These plans provide all-in-one coverage, including hospital and medical insurance, and often come with added perks like drug coverage, dental care, and wellness programs. With a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can access a wider range of services while potentially reducing your overall healthcare costs.
Below are some of the key benefits you can enjoy in Boone County with a Medicare Advantage Plan:
- Coordinated Care: Plans often include care coordination services, which helps you manage your healthcare across different providers and services.
- Cost Savings: Many plans have low or $0 premiums and offer capped out-of-pocket costs, providing financial protection against high medical expenses.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Includes Medicare Part A, Part B, and often Part D (prescription drug coverage), along with additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing.
- Wellness Programs: Many Boone County plans offer free gym memberships, wellness programs, and preventive care services. You need to stay healthy, right?
Tips for Selecting a Medicare Advantage Plan
Choosing the right Medicare Advantage Plan out of the 31 plans available in Boone County requires careful consideration of several key factors:
- Provider Network: Verify that your current doctors and preferred hospitals are included in the plan's network. Access to your healthcare providers can significantly impact your care experience.
- Prescription Drug Coverage: Make sure the plan covers your medications, particularly if you have specific prescriptions you rely on regularly.
- Costs: Examine the plan's premiums, copayments, and out-of-pocket limits. Compare these costs against your budget to avoid unexpected expenses.
- Additional Benefits: Consider what extra services, such as dental, vision, or wellness programs, are important to you, and check if the plan offers them.
- Plan Ratings: Look into the plan's star ratings, which provide insight into the plan's overall quality and member satisfaction.
Learn more about the basics of comparing Medicare Advantage Plans.
Getting Enrolled in a Boone County Medicare Advantage Plan: Know Your Enrollment Periods
Making sense of Medicare Advantage enrollment periods can seem overwhelming, but it's worth the effort for better health coverage. Missing these key dates could delay your coverage or limit your plan choices for 2025 in Boone County.
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This is your first opportunity to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan when you first become eligible for Medicare. Your Initial Enrollment Period lasts for seven months, starting three months before your 65th birthday.
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Occurs every year from October 15 to December 7. During the Annual Enrollment Period, you can switch, drop, or join a Medicare Advantage Plan.
- Open Enrollment Period (OEP): From January 1 to March 31, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare if you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan.
For more detailed information on the enrollment periods and how to enroll, visit our comprehensive guide on Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment.
Plan Availability
The MA and MAPD plans on this page are available to people on Medicare enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B living in and all other areas of Boone County, Arkansas.
Plans Offered
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans and benefits offered by the following carriers: Aetna Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aspire Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Capital Blue Cross, Cigna Healthcare, Dean Health Plan, Devoted Health, Florida Blue Medicare, Freedom Health, GlobalHealth, Health Care Service Corporation, Healthy Blue, HealthSun, Humana, Molina Healthcare, Mutual of Omaha, Medica Central Health Plan, Optimum HealthCare, Premera Blue Cross, SCAN Health Plan, Simply, UnitedHealthcare(R), Wellcare, WellPoint.
Citations & References
- CMS.gov, "2024 Medicare Part C Landscape Source Files", Last Accessed October 14, 2023
- CMS.gov, "2024 Part C and D Performance Data", Last Accessed October 14, 2023
- Medicare.gov, "Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans", Last Accessed 18 June, 2023
- MedicareWire.com, "Special Needs Plans", Last Accessed 15 June, 2024
- Medicare.gov, "What's Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)?", Last Accessed 22 May, 2024