You have alternative options for Medicare options in Michigan. For instance, Medicare Advantage plans are another way to get your Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) benefits. You can also have additional benefits with a Medicare Advantage plan in Michigan. These added benefits include routine vision, hearing, dental and/or prescription drug coverage. In Michigan, coverage may vary from plan to plan. Also costs like copayments, deductibles, and premiums may vary from plan to plan depending on the service area you live in.
The basics of Medicare Advantage Coverage in Michigan
If you want to know more about Medicare Advantage coverage (Medicare Part C), you should know about Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Original Medicare is a government-run health insurance program. You can qualify for Original Medicare if you are 65 and older and a U.S. citizen. Also if you have certain health conditions like end-stage renal disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease, you can qualify at any age. You must either be a United States citizen or legal permanent resident of 5 consecutive years to qualify. There are two parts in Original Medicare — Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (Medical insurance).
If you live in Michigan, you can choose to get your Original Medicare benefits in another way. You can sign up to a Medicare Advantage plan through a private insurance company rather than a federal-run program. This applies to other states as well. Medicare-contracted private insurance companies offer these Medicare Advantage plans. By law, these plans must offer the same coverage as Medicare Part A and B (except for hospice which Medicare Part A covers).
Many Medicare Advantage plans in Michigan offer additional coverage beyond Original Medicare. With every Medicare Advantage plan you also get an out-of-pocket limit every year, unlike Original Medicare. This limit is the maximum yearly amount you will pay out of pocket for covered services. The extra benefits you can get with a Medicare Advantage plan may be routine dental, hearing, vision, or prescription drugs.
Learn how Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans in Michigan work
In Michigan, there are many Medicare Advantage plans that cover prescription drugs. These plans are a combination of health care and prescription drug coverage all under one plan called Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans. You can keep track of one plan instead of two or more with a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan.
More to know about Medicare Advantage plans in Michigan
As of October 2019, more than 880,000 people in Michigan received their benefits from a Medicare Advantage plan or a plan similar. This represents a little more than 40% of all Medicare beneficiaries in Michigan. This study was done by the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Also, about 30% of people who have drug coverage in Michigan, get it from a Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan. From studying the numbers, a Medicare Advantage plan is a popular option in Michigan.
Each Medicare Advantage plan varies depending on where you live in Michigan. It is a good idea to make a list of your prescription drugs and medical needs before you compare plans. Be aware that the costs and coverage will vary depending on where you live and which plan you choose. There may be plans with free premiums but you may have to pay higher copayments, out-of-pocket costs, and deductibles. Also as a Medicare Advantage enrollee, you still have to pay the Medicare Part B monthly premium.
If you want a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan, then list out your prescription drug needs. Every plan has a formulary which is the plan’s list of covered prescription drugs. Make sure your needs match the plan’s formulary. At any time, the formulary is subject to change. Your plan will notify you if it does.
If you want to compare the Medicare Advantage plans in Michigan, then you’re in good hands. Simply enter your zip code on this page and we will show you the Medicare Advantage plans in your service area. If you need prescription drugs, you can narrow your search by drug name.