What Medicare Advantage Plans Include
Every Medicare Advantage plan must cover the same services as Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Beyond that, plans differ. This page explains what is standard, what is extra, and what to compare.
Standard coverage
- Hospital coverage (Part A) and medical coverage (Part B)
- A yearly limit on your out-of-pocket costs for covered Part A and Part B services
- Prescription drug coverage (Part D) in most plans
Extra benefits that some plans include
Some plans add benefits that Original Medicare does not cover. Depending on the plan and your location, these may include:
- Routine dental, vision, or hearing coverage
- Fitness or wellness programs
- An allowance toward certain over-the-counter health items
- In some plans, an allowance that can be used toward groceries or other everyday items. This is most common in plans designed for people with certain chronic conditions, or for people who have both Medicare and Medicaid.
- Transportation to medical appointments
Important points about extra benefits:
- They are offered by some plans only. Many plans do not include them.
- Availability depends on the plan and where you live, and some benefits are limited to people who meet the plan's eligibility rules.
- Amounts, eligible items, and rules are set by each plan and can change from year to year. There is no standard or guaranteed amount.
- These are private insurance plan benefits, not a government program.
What to compare before choosing a plan
- Monthly premium, plus any deductibles or copays
- Provider network: whether your doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies are included
- Drug coverage: whether your prescriptions are on the plan's list of covered drugs
- Out-of-pocket maximum: the most you would pay in a year for covered services
- Star rating: Medicare rates plans from 1 to 5 stars based on quality and member experience
How to find out what is available where you live
You can compare all plans in your area using the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov, or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). A licensed insurance agent can also review the plans we offer in your area and answer your questions. We do not offer every plan available in your area.