What to know about Medicare Advantage coverage in Oregon
If you live in or are moving to Oregon, you have multiple options with your Medicare coverage. If you want to get your Medicare directly through the government with Original Medicare. Or you can choose an alternative way to getting your Medicare benefits with a Medicare Advantage plan.
A Medicare-contracted private insurance company allows you to get a Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C). The plan by law must provide you with at least the same coverage as Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). This is an alternative way to get your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits. Generally, you will receive extra benefits with a Medicare Advantage plan, including:
- Hearing
- Vision
- Dental services
You can enroll for a Medicare Advantage plan during specific enrollment periods. If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period (the time frame when you were first eligible) you can sign up during the Annual Election Period (AEP). The AEP is a time frame that runs from October 15 — December 7 and is a common time to make adjustments to your Medicare coverage. You may be eligible for a Special Election Period to switch plans or sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan. You must reach certain requirements in order to qualify for a Special Election Period.
There are different choices when it comes to Medicare Advantage plans in Oregon. For instance you can choose a:
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan
- Private Fee-for-Service plan
- Health Maintenance Organization plan
Plan costs may vary in different counties of Oregon and a Medicare Advantage plan may not be available in your service area.
Are there Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans in Oregon?
You can also get prescription drugs, Medicare Part D, included in your Medicare Advantage plan. Prescription drug coverage is actually included in most Medicare Advantage plans in Oregon. You can get both your health care and prescription drug coverage all in one plan with a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan.
YIf you are curious about what prescription drugs a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan covers, you can look at its formulary. This is a list of every prescription drug that the plan covers. Each plan has a different formulary.
If you want to see which Medicare Advantage plan best fits your needs, then make a list of the prescription medications you need. When you do this, you can see which plan fits your needs by comparing the formulary with your needed drugs. The formulary is subject to alter at any time. If it does, then the plan will notify you.
How to Compare and Contrast Medicare Advantage plans in Oregon
Compare your plans because the availability and costs of Medicare Advantage plans change from plan to plan. It is a good idea to review the plan choices that you have in your area before you sign up to a Medicare Advantage plan. Some plans may even have free monthly premiums. Please note that even though the premiums may be free, the plan may have higher costs like copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance. Keep in mind that you also have to pay your Medicare Part B premium.