Get more for less with affordable Medicare Advantage plans

When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you will no longer receive coverage for Parts A and B through Original Medicare. Instead, the company you purchase your Medicare Advantage plan from will administer those benefits along with any additional coverage the plan offers. You must be enrolled in Original Medicare Parts A and B before you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare Advantage plans often include features and benefits that you don’t get with Original Medicare, including:

• Prescription drug coverage (Part D)
• Dental care
• Costs for in-network doctor visits and covered services that are usually lower than Original Medicare
• An out-of-pocket maximum to make sure spending never goes over a certain amount each year
• Travel coverage
• Services like routine eye exams and hearing exams
• Fitness programs to help keep you healthy

Like most health insurance plans, Medicare Advantage plans have a network of doctors, providers, clinics and hospitals. In general, HMO plans have the smallest networks, while PPO and PFFS plans have larger networks. Covering care within a defined provider network helps plans keep costs low. This is why Medicare Advantage plans can often offer lower costs for in-network doctor visits and covered services than Original Medicare.

We’ve made it simple – just head over to our compare Medicare plans page. Answer a few questions, and we’ll help you explore and compare your options to find a plan that works for you.

From there, it’s easy to use our online shopping tool. All you need is your current ZIP code and county to compare all HealthPartners plans available in your area, including Medicare Advantage plans. You can filter plans to find features you want and get details on the options you’re interested in. Plus, if you’re in an enrollment period, you can begin the application process for the plan that’s right for you.

There are several times throughout the year when you’re eligible to enroll in or change your Medicare Advantage plan, including:

• Annual Enrollment Period: October 15 to December 7 – During Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time or switch to a different plan. You can also drop your plan and go back to Original Medicare. Coverage from any new plan starts on January 1 of the next year.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: January 1 to March 31 – If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you have an opportunity to change plans between January 1 and March 31 each year. You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare.
• Initial Enrollment Period: When you turn 65 – If you sign up for Original Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), you can enroll in a private Medicare plan any time after you’ve signed up for Original Medicare and are still in your IEP.
• Special Enrollment Period (SEP) – After certain events, such as moving or losing your current Medicare plan, you may qualify for an SEP that allows you to enroll in a different plan.