Medicare Advantage Plan Information
This page explains, in plain language, what Medicare Advantage plans are, what some plans include, and when you can enroll. If you would like help reviewing the plans available in your area, a licensed insurance agent can answer your questions by phone.
Speak with a licensed insurance agent. There is no cost to call and no obligation to enroll in any plan.
What is a Medicare Advantage plan?
Medicare Advantage, also called Medicare Part C, is a type of Medicare health plan offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare. These plans provide your Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) coverage, and many also include Part D prescription drug coverage.
Plans, costs, and benefits vary by insurance company and by location. To join a Medicare Advantage plan, you generally need to have Medicare Part A and Part B and live in the plan's service area.
Extra benefits some plans include
Some Medicare Advantage plans include benefits that Original Medicare does not cover. Depending on the plan and where you live, these may include dental, vision, or hearing coverage, or an allowance that can be used toward certain over-the-counter health items or groceries. Please keep the following in mind:
- Offered by some plans only. Many plans do not include these benefits, and they are not part of Original Medicare.
- Availability depends on the plan and your location. Not everyone with Medicare will have a plan with these benefits available to them.
- Amounts and rules are set by each plan. When a plan includes an allowance, that plan decides the amount and which items are eligible. There is no standard or guaranteed amount.
- These are private insurance plan benefits. They are not a government program or a Medicare benefit.
A licensed insurance agent can tell you which plans in your area, if any, include these benefits and explain the details.
When you can enroll
- Initial Enrollment Period
- The 7-month period that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after it.
- Annual Enrollment Period
- October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan. Changes take effect January 1.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
- January 1 to March 31 each year. If you are already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different one or return to Original Medicare.
- Special Enrollment Periods
- Available after certain life events, such as moving to a new area or losing other coverage.
Enrollment rules are set by Medicare. A licensed insurance agent can help you find out which enrollment period applies to you. See our Enrollment Periods page for more detail.
What happens when you call
When you call the number on this page, you will speak with a licensed insurance agent. The agent may ask for your ZIP code and a few questions about your current coverage so they can review the Medicare Advantage plans available in your area.
There is no cost to speak with an agent and no obligation to enroll in any plan. If you decide to enroll, the agent can explain the next steps.