Compare the Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Delaware

What is a Delaware Medicare Advantage Plan?

Traditional Medicare covers about 80% of all major medical costs. It does not cover minor medical for things like vision, hearing, dental, and prescriptions. The Medicare Advantage plans available in Delaware can include minor medical benefits, but are not required to. Most do include coverage for prescriptions.

While it is nice to have coverage for minor medical costs, it is critical that you understand exactly what you get when you join a Medicare Advantage plan in Delaware. 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 plan (HMO, PPO, etc.) through an employer, then you already know what to expect.

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

One way to better understand how different Original Medicare is from Medicare Advantage is to have a look at the pros and cons of each type of health insurance. So, let's do that.

Pros and Cons: Medicare vs. Delaware Medicare Advantage Plans

• 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 Delaware 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 Delaware Medicare Advantage plans, which are only required to cover you if you have a medical emergency.
• With OriginalMedicare there are no limits on your out-of-pocket costs. However, all Delaware 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 Delaware 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.

Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap

Most Delaware 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 Delaware Medicare Advantage Plans are Bad

This is a myth. There's nothing wrong with Medicare Advantage plans. In fact, over 20 percent of all Medicare beneficiaries in Delaware choose Medicare Advantage.

What you really need to know is that these plans are not for everyone. Some people are better served with traditional Medicare and a Medicare supplement. The question is, which option is best for you?

MedicareWire advises people who have one or more serious chronic conditions to keep their Original Medicare, particularly if you have specialists treating you and you want to stay with them. Our opinion is that Medicare Advantage is an excellent option for those who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligible) and for extremely healthy, active seniors.

Similarly, traditional Medicare, plus Medicare supplement insurance, work best for people with chronic health conditions, as well as those who can afford a higher monthly premium. Most experts agree that this is the best health insurance seniors can get in Delaware.

You can learn more about what Medicare supplements are available to you on our Delaware Medigap plans page or check out our Medicare Supplement Reviews.

Are There Disadvantages to Joining a Medicare Advantage Plan in Delaware?

As you have already read, both Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare have their benefits. But the two types of coverage are like apples and oranges. However, if you remove the issue of doctor choice from the equation, the primary difference is when and how you pay.

With Medicare Advantage you pay a little each month (with some plans you pay nothing). This is the monthly premium. But you also pay a copay when you use most medical services, and they add up fast. However, with traditional Medicare and a Medigap plan for supplemental coverage, you pay for most of your costs in advance with a higher premium. This makes your health care costs predictable, and for most people on a fixed budget, that's very comforting.

When Should I Consider Medigap Instead of Medicare Advantage?

• If you can afford Medigap Plan F or G, then keep your Original Medicare and add one of these supplements.
• 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.
• If you are a healthy senior but you cannot afford a Medigap Plan F, G, or N, Medicare Advantage is a good choice.
• 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware Medicare Advantage Plans

Compare the Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Delaware by County

The Medicare Advantage information on this page is maintained by David Bynon and was last updated on October 15, 2020.