5 Medicare Questions to Ask When Choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan

Before you shop for or purchase a Medicare plan, make sure you know the five Medicare questions to ask to ensure that you find the best value for your needs. Not sure how to find answers? The HealthMarkets Medicare shopping experience makes it easy.

1. How Much Does a Medicare Advantage Plan Cost?

While cost isn’t everything, it is usually an important factor. How much will you have to pay each month for your premium? What is the deductible? What is the maximum you will pay each year out of pocket? All of these are important costs to consider. Compare Medicare Advantage plans to find the one that fits your budget while still meeting your medical needs.

2. What Additional Benefits Does a Medicare Advantage Plan Offer?

In most cases, a Medicare Advantage plan will include prescription drug coverage. But always double-check plan details to make sure. If it doesn’t, you can choose a different plan or purchase a separate Medicare Part D drug plan. Most Medicare Advantage plans also offer additional benefits such as vision, hearing, dental coverage, and wellness programs.¹

3. What Doctors and Specialists Can I See?

If you’ve seen the same primary doctor or specialist for a long time, he or she probably has a deeper understanding of your overall health. Before choosing a Medicare Advantage plan, confirm that your doctors are in network. If you visit a doctor outside of your plan’s network, you may have to pay more.

4. What About My Prescriptions?

Before you commit to any one Medicare Advantage plan, see if your current prescriptions will be covered. Also, find out what the costs are for brand-name and generic drugs to cover any future prescriptions. Finally, if you want to stay with your current pharmacy, make sure that it is in the plan’s network so that you will be able to continue using it.

5. What Happens When I Travel?

Even if you don’t travel frequently, you may want to know that you will be able to see doctors, get services, and fill prescriptions wherever you go in the U.S.  All Medicare Advantage plans must offer emergency coverage outside of the plan’s service area, but not outside the country. There are plans available that may offer coverage when you’re out of your service area and/or out of the country, but costs and rules vary from plan to plan.

Your Medicare Advantage Questions Answered Quickly

While calling individual providers and comparing plans yourself is always an option, it’s easier to have a little help. Consider the Medicare questions to ask yourself above, then shop for Medicare online with HealthMarkets. You’ll have the power to:

• Determine which type of Medicare plan is best for you
• View plans side-by-side
• Find plans that include your healthcare providers, drugs, and pharmacy
• See if you qualify for Extra Help with prescription costs
• Apply online