Medicare Advantage Plans, Blount County, AL, 2024
We reviewed the top 36 Medicare Advantage Plans available in Blount County, Alabama for 2024. Here's what we learned:
Key Facts
- The average premium is $15.53 per month.[3]
- The average out-of-pocket limit is $5,360 per year.[3]
- The average drug plan deductible (for plans that include Part D) is $143.79 per year.[3]
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rated 63% of all plans available in Blount County 4 stars or higher.[3]
- There are 4 5-star plans available that qualify for the 5-star special enrollment period.
- There are 3 plan types to choose from, including HMO, PPO, HMO-POS, and possibly SNP plans (see: Blount County, AL Medicare Special Needs Plans.
Blount County, Alabama Medicare Advantage Plans
Plan Name | Type | Premium | MOOP | Rx Ded. | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
VIVA Medicare Plus* | HMO | $0 | $5,400 | $0 | |
VIVA Medicare Premier* | HMO | $96 | $4,500 | $0 | |
VIVA Medicare Prime* | HMO | $46 | $5,400 | $0 | |
VIVA Medicare Select* | HMO | $0 | $4,500 | N/A | |
Humana USAA Honor* | PPO | $0 | $3,400 | N/A | |
Humana Value Plus H5216-179* | PPO | $41 | $3,000 | $545 | |
HumanaChoice H5216-269* | PPO | $0 | $5,900 | $150 | |
HumanaChoice H5216-368* | PPO | $7 | $6,700 | $150 | |
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC AL-0001 | HMO-POS | $0 | $4,900 | $0 | |
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC AL-0002 | HMO-POS | $39 | $3,800 | $0 | |
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC AL-0003 | HMO-POS | $0 | $4,900 | $0 | |
AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx AL-MA01 | HMO-POS | $0 | $5,500 | N/A | |
Aetna Medicare Eagle | PPO | $0 | $5,500 | N/A | |
Aetna Medicare Freedom | PPO | $0 | $5,900 | $0 | |
Aetna Medicare Value Plus | PPO | $27 | $7,900 | $300 | |
Blue Advantage Complete | PPO | $0 | $5,100 | $0 | |
Blue Advantage Premier | PPO | $159 | $3,400 | $0 | |
Cigna Courage Medicare | HMO | $0 | $5,400 | N/A | |
Cigna Preferred AL Medicare | HMO | $0 | $8,850 | $195 | |
Cigna Preferred Medicare | HMO | $0 | $4,900 | $0 | |
Cigna Preferred Plus Medicare | HMO | $32 | $4,500 | $0 | |
Humana Gold Plus H5619-089 | HMO | $0 | $5,900 | $0 | |
HumanaChoice R7315-001 | PPO | $0 | $5,900 | N/A | |
HumanaChoice R7315-002 | PPO | $75 | $6,700 | $545 | |
Cigna True Choice Access Medicare | PPO | $0 | $5,600 | $0 | |
Cigna True Choice Savings Medicare | PPO | $0 | $5,900 | $0 | |
Wellcare Complete - Giveback | HMO | $0 | $5,000 | $500 | |
Wellcare Complete No Premium | HMO | $0 | $5,000 | $0 | |
Wellcare Assist | HMO | $21 | $4,500 | $545 | |
Wellcare Giveback Open | PPO | $0 | $7,350 | $545 | |
Wellcare No Premium | HMO | $0 | $4,500 | $0 | |
Wellcare No Premium Open | PPO | $0 | $5,500 | $0 | |
Devoted CHOICE Alabama | PPO | $0 | $5,900 | $150 | |
Devoted CORE Alabama | HMO | $0 | $4,500 | $0 | |
Devoted GIVEBACK Alabama | HMO | $0 | $6,000 | $545 | |
*Recognized as one of the top-rated Medicare Advantage plans available in Alabama based on the most recent CMS performance ratings.[4] **Certain PFFS, MSA, and HMO-POS plans have a combined in and out-of-network maximum. Limits are detailed on the plan pages. |
Blount County, AL
Medicare Advantage Plan Information
In County, Blount, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans offer a distinct option for people on Medicare. These plans, also referred to as Medicare Part C, are provided by private companies authorized by Medicare, adhering to stringent regulations. Presently, there are 36 MA plans available (not including Special Needs Plans). Many deliver supplementary benefits beyond what Original Medicare provides.
One of the most common additional benefits offered is coverage for prescription medications. These plans are commonly referred to as Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans (MAPDs), and they provide comprehensive coverage for people on Medicare in Blount County seeking to minimize their out-of-pocket expenses.
The top-rated Medicare Advantage plans in Alabama have a star rating of 4.0 stars or higher. Many people often start their search with these plans. See: medicarewire.com/medicare-advantage/alabama/
3 Plan Types to Choose in Blount County
Medicare allows 7 distinct types of private health plans, although the availability of these plans may vary by location. In Blount County, people on Medicare (beneficiaries) can select from 3 out of the 7 plan types, which are as follows:
Plan Type | Description |
---|---|
HMO | Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) members usually receive services through the plan's local network of providers. Referrals are typically required to see a specialist and other providers. However, plans allow out-of-network care for emergencies and out-of-area dialysis. Prescription drug coverage is often included in HMO plans, and many plans include some coverage for dental, vison, and hearing. |
PPO | Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) members can usually use in-network and out-of-network providers for care, including hospitalization. However, visits to non-network providers could cost significantly more. PPO plans often include prescription drug coverage and other benefits, and referrals are typically not required for specialist visits. |
HMO-POS | An HMO-POS (point-of-sale) plan offers the same features as an HMO plan. There is however one major difference. HMO-POS plans allow members to access healthcare providers outside of the plan's network to receive some or all of their services. In most cases, to go out of the plan's network a member will need to get a referral from their physician. Plus, there are separate deductibles for in-network and out-of-network services. |
SNP |
See below. |
How-To Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan
The majority of residents aged 65 and above in County, Blount, are eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. Nonetheless, it's important to note that not all of the top-rated Medicare Advantage Plans in Alabama are accessible in the area.
You are only allowed to join, drop or change Medicare Advantage plans during a Medicare Election Period. The period between October 15 and December 7 is the Annual Enrollment Period. That's when most people join or change their Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans or go back to Original Medicare.
There's also an Individual Election Period (IEP) that you can use once. Your IEP is a 7-month period of time around your 65th birthday. It begins three months before you turn 65 and ends three months later. If you have Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), your IEP begins on the 25th month.
How to Get Prescription Drug Coverage If It's Not Included
Some people may qualify to join a standalone prescription drug plan. A Medicare Part D plan, or PDP, adds coverage for prescription Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans that don't include prescription coverage.
It is important to note that plans that provide prescription drug coverage can disenroll members who join a standalone PDP. Medicare does not allow you to be enrolled in plans that provide overlapping benefits.
Medicare Advantage Is Just One Option in Blount County
If you are concerned that a private health plan may limit your care, or that the pros and cons of Blount County Medicare Advantage plans are too confusing, Medicare Advantage is not the only way to get more coverage. Another option is to hold on to your Original Medicare and additional coverage with a Alabama Part D Plan (prescription coverage) and a Alabama Medigap plan to help cover some of your deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
If you are not aware of the benefits of Medicare Supplement Insurance, and how it helps pays medical bills from an extended illness or hospital stay, check out our Medigap page and compare Medicare supplement plans in your area. All Medicare supplements are standardized and regulated. That means you can go with the lowest cost policy and get all of the same benefits.
IMPORTANT: Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplements are not compatible insurance. Medicare Supplements work with Original Medicare and cannot be purchased while you are enrolled in Medicare Advantage.
Blount County Special Needs Plans (SNP)
Many people on Medicare have unique health plan needs. This includes institutional care, care for chronic diseases, and access to both Medicare and Medicaid. Consider a Medicare Advantage Special Care Plan (SNP) if you or your loved one has one or more of these special needs.
MedicareWire has a special directory for Blount County, Alabama Special Needs Plans. Although managed under the Medicare Advantage program, SNP plans are designed specifically for three types of people:
- People on Medicare in a nursing home or receiving skilled nursing care at home;
- People on Medicare with both Medicare and Medicaid benefits; and
- People on Medicare with certain chronic health conditions.
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 Blountsville, Cleveland, Hayden, Locust Fork, Oneonta, Remlap, and all other areas of Blount County, Alabama.
Plans Offered
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans and benefits offered by the following carriers: Aetna Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aspire Health Plan, Dean Health Plan, Devoted Health, GlobalHealth, Health Care Service Corporation, Cigna Healthcare, Humana, Molina Healthcare, Mutual of Omaha, Premera Blue Cross, Medica Central Health Plan, SCAN Health Plan, Scott and White Health Plan now part of Baylor Scott & White Health, UnitedHealthcare(R), and Wellcare.
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, "Types of Medicare Advantage Plans", Last Accessed 17 May, 2022
- MedicareWire.com, "Special Needs Plans", Last Accessed 15 June, 2023
- Medicare.gov, "Learn How Medigap Works", Last Accessed 1 July, 2023
[3]Data & Statistics
The data presented on this page is derived from the 2024 Landscape Source Files and the Part C and D Performance Data published by CMS.
The average premium, average out-of-pocket limit, and average drug plan deductible statistics for Blount County, Alabama are derived from the most recent Landscape Source Files, excluding employer, MMP and SNP plans. MedicareWire publishes Special Needs Plans here.
Star rating statistics are derived from the most recent Part C and D Performance Data, excluding employer, MMP, SNP, and plans that have not yet been rated by CMS.
[4]Highest-Rated Medicare Advantage Plans
CMS publishes the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Star Ratings each year to measure the quality of health and drug services received by people on Medicare in Blount County. MedicareWire highlights plans rated 4.0 or better as "highest-rated" or "top-rated" because they received the overall highest summary rating from CMS. According to CMS, "The Star Ratings system helps Medicare consumers compare the quality of Medicare health and drug plans being offered so they are empowered to make the best health care decisions for them."