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Compare Medicare Advantage Plans
How To Compare Medicare Advantage Plans
It’s good to know your options by comparing Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. These plans combine all the benefits of Medicare Parts A and B into one plan that covers your hospital and medical costs. Many Medicare Advantage plans also include Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage). Some things to consider when you’re comparing Medicare Advantage plans are whether you prefer an HMO or a PPO, whether you need prescription drug benefits, and what you’ll pay out of pocket.
For a closer look at out-of-pocket payments, you can compare Medicare Part C costs.
What Is A Medicare Advantage Plan?
Medicare Advantage plans, or Medicare Part C, are comprehensive plans that include the same benefits of Medicare Parts A and B plus additional coverage. That’s important if you need more than what Original Medicare provides
Medicare Advantage Benefits
Medicare Advantage plans may include:
- Routine dental care including X-rays, exams, and dentures
- Vision care including glasses and contacts
- Hearing care including testing and hearing aids
- Wellness programs and fitness center memberships
What Does Medicare Advantage Cost?
The costs of Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans vary depending on where you live. Some plans have $0 premiums. On average, your monthly premiums will usually be lower than what you pay for Medicare Part B. You also receive more coverage, including both Medicare Parts A and B, and benefits you won't receive with Original Medicare. It’s always best to compare Medicare Advantage costs when selecting a plan.
Does Medicare Advantage Cover Prescription Drugs?
Medicare Part C plans cover Part A and Part B, and many also include prescription drug coverage (also known as Medicare Part D) and other benefits not available with Original Medicare.
Drug Coverage Comparison
When comparing plans with prescription drug coverage, consider:
- Costs, including premiums, copays, and coinsurance.
- Coverage gap, which begins after you and your plan have spent a certain amount for covered drugs.
- What drugs are covered, including prescription medications that you currently need and use.
What Is The Best Medicare Advantage Plan For Me?
When reviewing plans, you should compare:
- Plan types (HMO, PPO, Special Needs Plans)
- Monthly premiums
- Doctors and hospitals in your plan network
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Prescription drug lists
- Additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing
Medicare Advantage Plan Comparison
The chart below will help you understand some of the differences between our Medicare Advantage HMO, Medicare Advantage PPO, and Special Needs Plans.
| Plan Type | What doctors can I see? | Will my out-of-pocket costs be high or low? | This plan may be right for you if: |
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Anthem Medicare Advantage HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) |
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Anthem Medicare Advantage PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) |
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Special Needs Plans (SNPs) |
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Medicare Advantage eligibility
If you are applying for Medicare for the first time, you can choose a Medicare Advantage plan during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This is a seven-month period that includes:
- Three months before your 65th birthday month
- Your 65th birthday month
- Three months after your 65th birthday month
If you’re already enrolled in Original Medicare, you can change to a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which is October 15 to December 7. Make sure to consider Medicare Part C for all the cost savings and benefits.
You also have a chance to change your Medicare Advantage plan from January 1 to March 31 during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period.
Want More Help Comparing Medicare Advantage Plans?
We can help you find a Medicare Advantage Plan based on what’s important to you. Answer a few quick questions about your preferences related to HMOs, PPOs, and your plan needs, and we’ll provide a recommendation on the Medicare plans that match you best. Then you can compare those plans based on benefits, costs, quality, prescription drug coverage, and doctors.
Ready To Shop?
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Read Our Other Medicare Articles
Does Medicare cover Vision?
Original Medicare doesn't usually cover routine vision exams or eyewear, but Anthem offers you options.
Does Medicare Cover Dental?
What dental coverage options are available to you with Medicare? Learn about Anthem's Medicare dental insurance options.
Medicare Advantage Vs Original Medicare
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
Medicare Advantage Enrollment
Medicare Advantage Plan Options
Pros and Cons of Medicare Advantage
Why Choose Anthem?
Medicare Advantage 2025 Changes
Medicare HMO vs. PPO
About Medicare Enrollment
Essential Extras
No-Cost Fitness Program
Get the facts on Medicare vs Medicaid
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a Medicare Advantage plan with a Medicare contract. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a D-SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield depends on contract renewal.
Out-of-network/non-contracted providers are under no obligation to treat Medicare Advantage Plan members, except in emergency situations. Please call our customer service number or see your Evidence of Coverage for more information, including the cost-sharing that applies to out-of-network services.