Compare the Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Louisiana

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

The advantages of Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are found in what they can cover that Original Medicare cannot. Specifically, the MA plans available in Louisiana can include minor healthcare benefits such as prescriptions, vision, hearing, dental, fitness, telehealth, and more. In contrast, Original Medicare only covers major medical healthcare services.

Many people love the extra benefits they get with their MA plan. However, before you jump in with both feet, take the time to fully understand the trade-offs. The extra benefits and perks are nice, but they come at a cost. Specifically, when you join a Medicare Advantage plan in Louisiana you are agreeing to accept the plan's managed care health system. As an MA plan member, you agree to let the plan be a gatekeeper and fully control your access to doctors and other healthcare providers.

Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: What's the Difference?

The big differences between traditional Medicare coverage and what you get with Medicare Advantage are easy to see by pointing out the pros and cons. Neither type of insurance is perfect. They each suit different needs.

Pros and Cons: Medicare vs. Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana Medicare Advantage Plans are Bad

People that claim Medicare Advantage plans are bad simply misunderstand what they are and how they work. Over 20 percent of all Medicare beneficiaries in the state of Louisiana choose Medicare Advantage and like the care they get. However, these plans are not suitable for everyone.

RELATED: Why Medicare Advantage Plans are Bad

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 Louisiana Medigap plans page or check out our Medicare Supplement Reviews.

What are the Disadvantages of Louisiana Medicare Advantage Plans?

We have already highlighted the issue of doctor choice in Medicare Advantage. If this is not an issue for you, then consider the financial differences.

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 copays.

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 or when you have serious health problems.

Which is Best in Louisiana, Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement Insurance?

• 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 Louisiana Medicare Advantage Plans

Compare the Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Louisiana by County

The Medicare Advantage information on this page is maintained by David Bynon and was last updated on December 27, 2020.