Compare the Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Michigan

What is a Michigan Medicare Advantage Plan?

Unlike Original Medicare, which only covers major medical, a Medicare Advantage plan can include many extras, including prescriptions, vision, hearing, dental, and fitness, just to name a few. And, good news, they are available in Michigan.

Althought the extra benefits are nice to have, it's important to fully understand what you're getting if you join a Medicare Advantage plan in Michigan. Specifically, Medicare Advantage is managed care health insurance and the plan controls your access to healthcare providers. If you have ever had an HMO plan through your employer's group health insurance, you have a good idea of what managed care is all about.

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.

The Pros and Cons of Michigan Medicare Advantage Plans vs Original Medicare

1. With Medicare Advantage you must use Michigan healthcare providers within the plan's network. With Original Medicare, you can use the Medicare-approved provider of your choice.
2. If you travel and have a medical emergency, Medicare Advantage covers you. However, if you are a snowbird and winter or summer in another state, non-emergency doctor outside of your plan's network won't be covered.
3. All Medicare Advantage plans sold in Michigan protect you with an annual maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limit. Once you reach this spending limit the plan pays all additional copays and coinsurance that you'd normally pay out-of-pocket. Original Medicare does not have an out-of-pocket maximum.
4. Most Medicare Advantage plans come bundled with a Michigan Medicare Part D plan for prescription coverage. With Original Medicare, you must enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan. But, the stand-alone plans offer more choices to get lower-cost prescriptions.
5. With Original Medicare your costs (copays, coinsurance, etc) are predictable, and you can get a Medicare supplement to help pay these costs. In the Medicare Advantage program, each plan can charge what they want for copays and coinsurance, making it very difficult to compare actual costs.

Medicare Supplements vs. Medicare Advantage

We're frequently asked:

• 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 just a minute to dispel any misconception that these plans are bad or might have serious disadvantages.

Why Michigan 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 Michigan choose Medicare Advantage and like the care they get. However, these plans are not suitable for everyone.

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 Michigan.

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

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

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 most Medicare Advantage plans you pay a little each month (the monthly premium) and a copay when you use medical services. With most Medigap plans you pay most of your costs upfront with your monthly premium. As a result, your costs are more predictable than they might be if you have Medicare Advantage and use a lot of healthcare services

Is it better to have Medicare Advantage in Michigan or Medigap?

• 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 Michigan Medicare Advantage Plans

Compare the Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Michigan by County

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