Two of the most common questions we get here at MedicareWire are, "Are Medicare Advantage plans bad?", and "What are the advantages and disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans?" If you're trying to figure out if the private health plan option is right for you, read on. In this article, we will … [Read more...]
Medicare Advantage Plans
Learn About The Private Health Insurance Option for People On Medicare
2022 Medicare Open Enrollment: A Guide to Dates, Costs and Eligibility
Everything you need to know about Medicare's 2022 Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) dates, costs, eligibility, and opportunities to change your Medicare insurance coverage this Fall.
Key Takeaways
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) starts each year on October 15 and ends on December … [Read more...]
Why are Some Medicare Advantage Plans Free?
Are there free Medicare Advantage plans? Asked another way, how can Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 premium?
It seems impossible, doesn't it? In the day and age when people struggle to afford catastrophic health insurance coverage, how can it be that health insurance companies are giving away … [Read more...]
Is it Better to have Medicare Advantage or Medigap?
While shopping for Medicare health insurance, particularly if you are getting your benefits for the first time, it's important to understand the difference between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicate with a Medigap plan. In this MedicareWire article, we'll cover the fundamental benefits of … [Read more...]
How Much Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cost?
If you are new to Medicare, you might find the cost structure confusing. This is particularly true when it comes to Medicare Advantage plans. So, in this MedicareWire article, we'll do our best to demystify exactly how much Medicare Advantage plans cost. That way you will be able to compare plans to … [Read more...]
What is the Difference Between Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement?
There are many differences between Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap). In this MedicareWire article, we'll help you figure out if a Medicare Advantage plan is best for you or if you should keep your Original Medicare and add a Medicare supplement policy for … [Read more...]
What Does Medicare Advantage Cover? 7 Facts You Should Know.
By law, Medicare Advantage plans must provide the same basic healthcare services for inpatient care and outpatient care as Original Medicare. The similarities end there, so it's important to learn what private health plans cover and how to compare plans to find the best for your needs.
Key … [Read more...]
How Does Medicare Advantage Work?
If you have ever had a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan or a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan through an employer or the Healthcare Exchange, you already have a pretty good idea about how Medicare Advantage plans work. In this MedicareWire article, we'll explain what you need to … [Read more...]
What Medicare Advantage Plans Are Available In My Area?
Medicare Advantage plans are organized and sold county-by-county. The reason for this, versus national plans, is that most private health insurance use provider networks, which are local. In this MedicareWire article, we'll help you find plans in your area and give you tips to help you choose the … [Read more...]
Understanding Medicare in 4 Easy Steps
If you are getting your Medicare benefits for the first time, the jargon may sound foreign, but you don't need Medicare for Dummies to figure it out. Once you learn the ABCs and D of Medicare, you'll be well on your way.
In this MedicareWire blog post, we'll break down the four main parts of … [Read more...]
When Can I Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan?
When Can You Sign Up For Medicare Advantage Plans?
Medicare Advantage (aka, Medicare Part C) and Medicare Part D plans have several different enrollment periods. The most well-known period is called the Annual Election Period, or AEP. It runs in the Fall from 15 October to 7 December. You'll want … [Read more...]
Is it Better to Have Medicare Advantage or Medigap?
Here are the five top reasons that it's better to have a Medicare Advantage plan:
Up-front costs (monthly premium) are generally lower.
You may have more doctor choices in Medicare Advantage.
Plans are required to take you regardless of your health condition.
If you have both Medicare … [Read more...]
How to Compare Medicare Advantage Plans
One of the more common questions we get here at MedicareWire is, "How do I choose a Medicare Advantage plan?" In this article, we'll go over some of the most important aspects of private health plans and what you should look for. We'll also offer seven tips to help you find the best plan and get the … [Read more...]
Medicare Star Ratings: What They Mean & How to Use Them
Have you ever wondered what the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings mean and how to use them to choose a health plan? In this MedicareWire article, we'll cover what you need to know and explain how we use the CMS 5-star rating system to help you choose a plan with the … [Read more...]
Is CMS Biased in Favor of Medicare Advantage?
While studying Medicare & You 2021: The official U.S. government Medicare handbook to look for changes coming in the new year (which you can download here), the MedicareWire staff began noticing language and diagrams that it felt would bias readers. In fact, once you start looking for it, you … [Read more...]