2023 Medicare Advantage Plans in Kentucky
Find Plans in your area with your ZIP Code
If you are thinking about getting out of Original MedicareOriginal Medicare is private fee-for-service health insurance for people on Medicare. It has two parts. Part A is hospital coverage. Part B is medical coverage. and into a Medicare Advantage plan available in Kentucky, you're not alone. Nearly half of the estimated 64 million people with Medicare will join a Medicare Advantage plan in 2023. Some join to get more benefits. Some join to save money. And some like a plan's doctors and other healthcare providers.
What are the Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Kentucky?
If you’re looking for the best Medicare Advantage plans available in your Kentucky community, that suit your individual needs, MedicareWireMedicareWire is a Medicare insurance consulting agency. We founded MedicareWire after seeing and hearing how confusing and frustrating it is to find, understand, and choose a plan. Our services are free to the consumer. is here to assist. Using the overview of the Kentucky market below, and our other online tools, you will get a clear understanding of your top plan options, who the top-rated plan providers are, and how much you should expect to pay each month for a plan.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Medicare Advantage PlansMedicare Advantage (MA), also known as Medicare Part C, are health plans from private insurance companies that are available to people eligible for Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B). are available to U.S. citizens and legal U.S. residents living in Kentucky who are enrolled in Original Medicare.
- Insurance plans are offered by private health insurance companies and provide an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits in your Kentucky County.
- Medicare Advantage Plans in Kentucky are required to provide at least the same benefits as Original Medicare, but they may also provide additional benefits such as vision, dental, and hearing coverage.
- Plans may also offer prescription drug coverage, which is not available with Original Medicare. A stand-alone Medicare Part DMedicare Part D plans are an option Medicare beneficiaries can use to get prescription drug coverage. Part D plans provide cost-sharing on covered medications in four different phases:Â deductible, initial coverage, coverage gap, and catastrophic. Each... plans available in Kentucky can be added if the health plan does not include Part D.
- Medicare Advantage Plans in Kentucky may have different cost-sharing requirements than Original Medicare, such as copaymentsA copayment, also known as a copay, is a set dollar amount you are required to pay for a medical service., coinsuranceCoinsurance is a percentage of the total you are required to pay for a medical service. , and deductiblesA deductible is an amount a beneficiary must pay for their health care expenses before the health insurance policy begins to pay its share.. Be sure to compare plans, including prices, quality and affordable out-of-pocket costsOut-of-Pocket Costs for Medicare are the remaining costs that are not covered by the beneficiary's health insurance plan. These costs can come from the beneficiary's monthly premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments., to determine the best Medicare insurance for your situation.
- Medicare Advantage Plans in Kentucky may also have different provider networks than Original Medicare, so it is important to make sure that your preferred doctors and hospitals are in-networkDoctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers that agree to health plan members' services and supplies at a set price are in-network providers. With some health plans, your care is only covered if you get....
- Medicare Advantage insurance has specific open enrollment periods. Unlike Medicare Supplement plans, you cannot join, switch, or drop a plan outside of an enrollment period.
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Who Has The Best Plans in Kentucky?
Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the U.S. Federal agency that runs the Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Programs. (CMS), reviews and rates Kentucky's Medicare Advantage plans based on a 5-star scale. The information used to create a plan's star rating comes from member input and data reported by the plan.
Kentucky has 5-star Medicare Advantage plans available in 2023. Not all states and locations do. This year, the highest rated Medicare plans available in Kentucky come from:
- Essence Healthcare
- Humana
MedicareWire recommends evaluating plans from these Kentucky health insurance companies first. Why? Because more stars mean a better plan. For instance, members may get better care, customer service, and phone support from a 5-star plan than from a 4-star one.
IMPORTANT: Depending on where you live in Kentucky, Medicare Advantage plans may have many valuable benefits (as compared to Original Medicare). But, before you choose, it's crucial that you understand the potential disadvantage of Medicare Advantage plans, as well as Medigap vs Advantage plans. Compare coverage and costs with care to find the plan best suited to your health and financial needs.
Complete List of Kentucky's Providers for 2023
Approximately 9 health insurance providers offer Medicare Advantage plans in Kentucky, including:
- Aetna Medicare
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Cigna
- Essence Healthcare
- Humana
- Lasso Healthcare
- Passport Advantage
- UnitedHealthcare
- Wellcare
Kentucky's Top-Rated Plans in 2023
According to the Centers for Medicare & MedicaidMedicaid is a public health insurance program that provides health care coverage to low-income families and individuals in the United States. Services, here are the top 2023 Medicare Advantage Plans available in Kentucky:
Top Medicare Advantage Plans in Kentucky
| Provider | Plan ID | Plan Name | Premium | Limit | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essence Healthcare | H2610-023 | Essence Advantage (HMO) | $0.00 | $3,900 | 5.0 |
| Essence Healthcare | H2610-024 | Essence Advantage Plus (HMO) | $0.00 | $4,700 | 5.0 |
| Humana | H0292-001 | Humana Community (HMO) | $0.00 | $4,800 | 5.0 |
| Humana | H0292-002 | Humana Gold Plus H0292-002 (HMO) | $15.00 | $4,200 | 5.0 |
| Humana | H0292-003 | Humana Gold Plus H0292-003 (HMO) | $0.00 | $4,800 | 5.0 |
| Humana | H5216-107 | HumanaChoice H5216-107 (PPO) | $132.00 | $6,700 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-188 | HumanaChoice H5216-188 (PPO) | $18.00 | $6,700 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-226 | HumanaChoice H5216-226 (PPO) | $0.00 | $6,700 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-317 | HumanaChoice H5216-317 (PPO) | $0.00 | $5,500 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-322 | HumanaChoice H5216-322 (PPO) | $0.00 | $7,550 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-324 | HumanaChoice H5216-324 (PPO) | $74.00 | $2,200 | 4.5 |
| Humana | R0865-003 | HumanaChoice R0865-003 (PPO) | $33.00 | $7,550 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-019 | HumanaChoice H5216-019 (PPO) | $43.00 | $5,300 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H6622-019 | Humana Gold Plus H6622-019 (HMO) | $90.00 | $3,900 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H6622-021 | Humana Gold Plus H6622-021 (HMO-POS) | $0.00 | $5,900 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-023 | HumanaChoice H5216-023 (PPO) | $53.00 | $6,200 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-285 | HumanaChoice H5216-285 (PPO) | $0.00 | $5,300 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-309 | HumanaChoice H5216-309 (PPO) | $0.00 | $6,500 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-055 | HumanaChoice H5216-055 (PPO) | $39.00 | $5,200 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-229 | HumanaChoice H5216-229 (PPO) | $0.00 | $4,900 | 4.5 |
| UnitedHealthcare | H5253-099 | AARP Medicare Advantage Flex Plan 1 (HMO-POS) | $0.00 | $4,900 | 4.5 |
| UnitedHealthcare | H5253-100 | AARP Medicare Advantage Flex Plan 2 (HMO-POS) | $26.00 | $4,500 | 4.5 |
| UnitedHealthcare | H5253-052 | AARP Medicare Advantage Flex Plan 6 (HMO-POS) | $0.00 | $4,900 | 4.5 |
| UnitedHealthcare | H5253-109 | AARP Medicare Advantage Plan 2 (HMO-POS) | $20.00 | $4,200 | 4.5 |
| UnitedHealthcare | H5253-051 | AARP Medicare Advantage Plan 3 (HMO-POS) | $109.00 | $3,400 | 4.5 |
Interested in joining a plan from one of the top-rated providers? That has a lot to do with your Kentucky County. Medicare Advantage plans are regional, and you can't join a plan that isn't in your area.
Best Plans in Kentucky by County
Choose your Kentucky County below to see the best (and the worst) 2023 plans.
For fast, friendly assistance call 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711) .
How to Find the Best Plan Available in Kentucky
You may be looking at plans for several different reasons, including turning 65 or the Annual Enrollment PeriodThe Annual Enrollment Period is when Medicare beneficiaries can join, drop or change Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. AEP begins on 15 October and ends on 7 December.. Or, perhaps you are navigating a special enrollment event, such as moving to a new area. In all of these cases, there are a few important details you need to consider.
1. Consider Your Expected Utilization
Do you think you’ll take maximum advantage of your benefits (doctors, hospital inpatient careInpatient care refers to care provided in a hospital or other inpatient facility. Inpatients are admitted and stay at least one night depending on their condition., tests, etc.)? If so, prioritize plans with lower out-of-pocket maximums and lower copayments, even if they have higher monthly premiumsA premium is an amount that an insurance policyholder must pay for coverage. Premiums are typically paid on a monthly basis. In the federal Medicare program, there are four different types of premiums. . Otherwise, look for plans with low monthly premiums. Just be aware that plans with low or no monthly premiums tend to have higher out-of-pocket maximums and/or higher deductibles.
2. Evaluate Your Prescription Costs
Prescription drugs, not doctors, are what many seniors blame for driving up their healthcare costs. Part D prescription benefits are included with most Medicare Advantage plans. It would be best if you made sure that the plan you choose covers your drugs at a price you can afford.
3. Understand Your Additional Coverage Needs
Original Medicare doesn't cover all costs related to health care. It covers major medical expenses and preventative care services, however, it doesn't cover prescriptions, vision, hearing, or dental. Many of the essential services your Part A or Part BMedicare Part B is medical coverage for people with Original Medicare benefits. It covers doctor visits, preventative care, tests, durable medical equipment, and supplies. Medicare Part B pays 80 percent of most medically necessary healthcare services. benefits don't cover are covered by Medicare Advantage plans.
4. Consider Your Healthcare Providers
Medicare Advantage plans use healthcare provider networks, and not all primary care doctors and specialists accept all plans. For many Kentucky shoppers, finding a plan that their doctors accept is exhausting. We can help!
Should I Choose an HMO or PPO plan?
There are many plan options available when shopping for Medicare Advantage plans in Kentucky, including HMO and PPO options. These are some of the differences you should consider before making a plan selection.
- With an HMO you may pay less out-of-pocket, but you will need to choose a primary physician to coordinate your care. Referrals for specialists are often required. Except in an emergency, you must remain within the provider network.
- With a PPO you are not required to get referrals for specialty care. You have the option to get health care outside of the plan's provider network. However, typically you will pay more and the out-of-pocket maximum for out-of-network care will be higher.
Need help choosing? Call 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711) for plan assistance. There's no obligation.
Find Plans in your area with your ZIP Code
Eligibility
Medicare Advantage plans are available to people ages 65 and older. They are also available to individuals with certain disabilities. When eligible, you can generally join one of these Medicare Advantage Plans:
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
- Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS)
- Medical Savings Account (MSA) Plan
You must live in the service area (i.e., County) of the plan you want to join. If you reside outside the plan's service area for part of the year, ask if the plan will cover you there. You must also have both Medicare Part AMedicare Part A is hospital coverage for Medicare beneficiaries. It covers inpatient care in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. It also covers limited home healthcare services and hospice care. and Part B and be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident.
Alternatives
Medicare Advantage Plans are an alternative to Original Medicare coverage. However, there is another option. You can keep your Original Medicare benefits and add one of the best Medicare Supplement plans in Kentucky for additional coverage. And, there are Kentucky Medicare Part D plans for coverage of prescription drugs.
Many experts feel Medicare Supplement insuranceMedicare Supplements are additional insurance policies that Medicare beneficiaries can purchase to cover the gaps in their Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B) health insurance coverage. plans offer superior financial coverage and the most flexibility. Plus, benefits rarely change and you can get a policy outside of a Medicare enrollment period. However, plans may not be affordable for all Kentucky seniors.
Due to the fact that Medicare Supplement plans cover more costs than Medicare Advantage Plans, their monthly premiums are generally higher. If you cannot afford Medicare's out-of-pocket costs, another alternative is a dual-eligibleDual-eligible beneficiaries are those who receive both Medicare and Medicaid benefits. It includes beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B while receiving full Medicaid and/or financial assistance through a Medicare Savings Program.... Medicare Special Needs Plan in Kentucky. D-SNP plans help Kentucky seniors who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. D-SNP plans offer quality care at very affordable prices.
Next Steps
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Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? These common questions and answers might help.
What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage plans have several potential disadvantages. For instance, most plans require their members to use their network of providers. Also, costs are also largely based on your use of healthcare services, making it more difficult to budget for healthcare costs. And, most plans make members get referrals to see a specialist or prior authorizationPrior authorization is a process used by health plans to control healthcare costs. Most HMO plans and some PPO plans require authorization before receiving certain treatments, medical services, or prescription drugs. to receive a service. Read about all five disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans.
How much does Medicare Advantage cost in Kentucky?
A Medicare Advantage plan in Kentucky costs an average of $21.51. This is just the monthly premium. You should also consider the out-of-pocket expenses of a plan if you have any chronic conditions, which include a plan's copays and deductibles. Prescription drug benefits are also included in most Medicare Advantage plans, but they have their own out-of-pocket costs.
What is every Medicare Advantage plan required to include?
All Medicare Advantage plans offered in Kentucky must cover all of the Original Medicare benefits. But, private Medicare plans are not required to provide healthcare services similarly. For instance, Medicare Part A covers 80% of hospital stays, skilled nursing, home care, hospiceHospice is a special way of caring for people who are terminally ill. Hospice care involves a team-oriented approach that addresses the medical, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient. care, and home health careHealth care services and supplies a doctor decides you may receive in your home under a plan of care established by your doctor. Medicare only covers home health care on a limited basis as ordered.... And Part B covers 80% of doctor visits, lab tests, and other outpatient services. However, Medicare Advantage plans are allowed to set their own copays and routinely charge more than 20%. That said, they do have an annual limit, whereas Original Medicare doesn't.
Methodology and Sources
Our analysis of the top-rated Medicare Advantage plans in Kentucky excludes employer group plans, Medicare-Medicaid Plans (MMPs), Medicare Savings Account Plans (MSAs), Special Needs Plans (SNPs), and plans that do not include Part D benefits.
CMS rates and reviews health plans in several categories, including delivery of health care, member experience and customer service. When comparing plan ratings, we use state-specific data, not CMS' nationwide figures.
Medicare Advantage plan data is sourced from CMS public use files (see: Citations & References). When needed, we combined affiliated companies to calculate insurer averages.
Our research does not include Kentucky's Medicare Advantage SNP Plans. We evaluate these plans separately. We also did not include plans without Part D benefits for prescription drugs, employer plans, or Medicare-Medicaid Plans (MMPs). If you're not looking for a Medicare Advantage plan but want to cover out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare plan doesn't cover, MedicareWire also ranked the best Medigap Plans in Kentucky.
Citations & References
- CMS.gov, 2023 Medicare Part C Landscape Source Files, Last Accessed January 13, 2023
- Medicare.gov, "5-star special enrollment period", Last Accessed October 20, 2022
- Medicare.gov, "Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans", Last Accessed October 16, 2022
- KFF.org, "Medicare Advantage in 2022: Enrollment Update and Key Trends", Last Accessed November 5, 2022
- Medicare.gov, "Things to know about Medicare Advantage Plans", Last Accessed October 12, 2022
- CMS.gov, Part C and D Performance Data, Last Accessed January 13, 2023
- CMS.gov, Monthly MA Enrollment by State/County/Contract, Last Accessed January 13, 2023
- CMS.gov, Biden-Harris Administration Announces Lower Premiums for Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans in 2023, Last Accessed September 29, 2022
- CMS.gov, Medicare Marketing Guidelines, Last Accessed February 2, 2023
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Our content follows the guidance provided by the Medicare Marketing Guidelines on CMS.gov. If you believe the information on this page is inaccurate, please contact us.