Medicare Blog

how to find medicare plans in my state

by Jamaal Hickle III Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
image

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies. Plan availability varies from state to state. Click on your state on the map or from the list of states to find Medicare Advantage information and resources for your state.

Full Answer

How do I know what Medicare plan I have?

  • Review your Medicare plan coverage options. It’s a good idea to review your Medicare coverage every year to make sure the benefits of your Medicare plan remain aligned with your ...
  • Make changes to your Medicare plan coverage during the right time of year. ...
  • Find out what Medicare plan may fit your needs. ...

How to find a Medicare office near you?

  • Dial 1-800-MEDICARE. ...
  • Ask the customer service agent who answers your call to help you determine the nearest Medicare office. ...
  • Write the address and phone number of any offices you are interested in on a piece of paper. ...

How to compare Medicare Part D plans?

  •  Biggest Medicare changes for 2022
  • Medicare proposes limited coverage of controversial new Alzheimer's drug
  • AARP interview: new Medicare chief outlines her vision

How to switch your Medicare drug plan?

  • The Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plan data on our site comes directly from Medicare and is subject to change.
  • Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed the information on our site.
  • We provide our Q1Medicare.com site for educational purposes and strive to present unbiased and accurate information. ...

More items...

image

How do you shop for Medicare plans?

You can find and compare Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans available in your area by inputting your zip code on the Plan Finder tool at Medicare.gov. Counselors are also available, free of charge, to provide you with personalized assistance through State Health Insurance Assistance Programs.

Is there a website to compare Medicare plans?

Compare plans online with Medicare.gov One way to compare plans online is using the Medicare.gov “Medicare Plan Finder” tool. Medicare.gov is the official U.S. Government site for the Medicare program. The site offers two search options: a general search and a personalized search.

Are Medicare plans the same in every state?

Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B together are known as “original Medicare.” Original Medicare has a set standard for costs and coverage nationwide. That means your coverage will be the same no matter what state you live in, and you can use it in any state you visit.

How do I know which Medicare plan is right for me?

To compare Medicare plans, use the Medicare Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan, on the official U.S. government site for people with Medicare, which allows you to compare plans by cost, by quality and by other features that may be of importance to you.

What are the top 3 Medicare Advantage plans?

List of Medicare Advantage plansCategoryCompanyRatingBest overallKaiser Permanente5.0Most popularAARP/UnitedHealthcare4.2Largest networkBlue Cross Blue Shield4.1Hassle-free prescriptionsHumana4.01 more row•Feb 16, 2022

What is the most popular Medicare Part D plan?

Best-rated Medicare Part D providersRankMedicare Part D providerMedicare star rating for Part D plans1Kaiser Permanente4.92UnitedHealthcare (AARP)3.93BlueCross BlueShield (Anthem)3.94Humana3.83 more rows•Mar 16, 2022

What is the average cost of Medicare per month?

How much does Medicare cost?Medicare planTypical monthly costPart B (medical)$170.10Part C (bundle)$33Part D (prescriptions)$42Medicare Supplement$1631 more row•Mar 18, 2022

Is Medicare specific to the state?

Medicare by State. Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is a federal program so your coverage, costs and benefits will not be different from state to state.

Does Medicare follow from state to state?

Because it's a federal program, Medicare provides services in every part of the country. It doesn't matter which state you live in — your basic Medicare coverage will stay the same.

Who has the best Medicare coverage?

Best Medicare Advantage Providers RatingsProviderForbes Health RatingsCoverage areaBlue Cross Blue Shield5.0Offers plans in 48 statesCigna4.5Offers plans in 26 states and Washington, D.C.United Healthcare4.0Offers plans in all 50 statesAetna3.5Offers plans in 44 states1 more row•Jun 8, 2022

What are the negatives of a Medicare Advantage plan?

Medicare Advantage can become expensive if you're sick, due to uncovered copays. Additionally, a plan may offer only a limited network of doctors, which can interfere with a patient's choice. It's not easy to change to another plan. If you decide to switch to a Medigap policy, there often are lifetime penalties.

What are the 4 types of Medicare?

There are four parts of Medicare: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D.Part A provides inpatient/hospital coverage.Part B provides outpatient/medical coverage.Part C offers an alternate way to receive your Medicare benefits (see below for more information).Part D provides prescription drug coverage.

What is an annual review of Medicare?

An annual review of your Medicare coverage can help you determine if your plan combination is right for your needs. For example, if you’re spending a considerable amount of money on prescription drugs, a Medicare Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage may be something to consider.

What are the benefits of Medicare Advantage?

Most Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as dental, vision and prescription drug coverage. Medicare Part D provides coverage for prescription medications, which is something not typically covered by Original Medicare.

How long does Medicare AEP last?

The Medicare AEP lasts from October 15 to December 7 every year. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries may do any of the following: Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan. Change from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare. Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.

What is Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B is medical insurance and provides coverage for outpatient appointments and durable medical equipment. Part B is optional, but is required for anyone wanting to enroll in Medicare Part C, Part D or Medicare Supplement Insurance. Part A and Part B are known together as “Original ...

Is Medicare Part A and Part B the same?

Part A and Part B are known together as “Original Medicare.”. Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, provides all the same benefits as Medicare Part A and Part B combined into a single plan sold by a private insurance company.

How long does it take to sign up for Medicare?

Initial enrollment period. This is a 7-month window around your 65th birthday when you can sign up for Medicare. It begins 3 months before your birthday, includes the month of your birthday, and extends 3 months after your birthday. During this time, you can enroll for all parts of Medicare without a penalty.

What is Medicare insurance?

Medicare overview. Medicare is a government-funded health insurance program that provides medical coverage for people ages 65 or older. You can also qualify if you have certain health conditions or disabilities. Medicare is divided into a few “parts.”. Each part of Medicare covers different healthcare needs.

What are the different types of Medicare?

Medicare is divided into a few “parts.” Each part of Medicare covers different healthcare needs. Currently, the parts of Medicare include: 1 Medicare Part A. Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. It covers you during short-term, inpatient stays in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities or for some in-home services like limited home healthcare or hospice. 2 Medicare Part B. Medicare Part B is medical insurance that covers everyday care needs like doctor's appointments, therapist visits, medical equipment, and urgent care visits. 3 Medicare Part C. Medicare Part C is also called Medicare Advantage. These plans combine the coverage of parts A and B into a single plan. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and are overseen by Medicare. 4 Medicare Part D. Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage. Part D plans are standalone plans that only cover prescriptions. These plans are also provided through private insurance companies. 5 Medigap. Medigap is also known as Medicare supplement insurance. Medigap plans help cover the out-of-pocket costs of Medicare, like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance amounts.

How long do you have to sign up for Medicare if you have delayed enrollment?

If you delayed Medicare enrollment for an approved reason, you can later enroll during a special enrollment period. You have 8 months from the end of your coverage or the end of your employment during which to sign up without penalty. Medicare Advantage open enrollment ( January 1–March 31 ).

What is Medicare Part A?

Currently, the parts of Medicare include: Medicare Part A. Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. It covers you during short-term, inpatient stays in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities or for some in-home services like limited home healthcare or hospice.

When is Medicare Advantage open enrollment?

Medicare Advantage open enrollment ( January 1–March 31 ). During this period, you can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or go back to original Medicare. You cannot enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan if you currently have original Medicare. Part D enrollment/Medicare add-ons (April 1–June 30).

Does zip code affect Medicare?

Even if the plan has the same name and covers the same services, your ZIP code could affect the price you pay. Both Medicare Part D and Medigap plans work similarly. Like Medicare Advantage plans, they’re offered by private companies.

What states require community rating for Medigap?

As of 2018, eight states (Arkansas, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington) required carriers to use community rating.

How many seniors will be covered by Medicare in 2021?

July 7, 2021. facebook2. twitter2. comment. Medicare is a federal program, covering more than 63 million seniors and disabled Americans throughout the country. Medicare beneficiaries in most areas have the option to get their coverage via private Medicare Advantage plans, and more than four out of ten do so.

How long does Medicare coverage last?

Medigap coverage is guaranteed issue for six months, starting when you’re at least 65 and enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.

When is Medicare Part D open enrollment?

Federal guidelines call for an annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7) for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D coverage in every state. And as of 2019, there’s also a Medicare Advantage open enrollment period (January 1 through March 31) that allows people who already have Medicare Advantage to switch to a different Advantage plan or switch to Original Medicare. But while these provisions apply nationwide, plan availability and prices are different from one state to another.

How many Part D prescriptions will be available in 2021?

Part D prescription drug plan availability differs from state to state as well, with the number of plans for sale in 2021 varying from 25 to 35, depending on the region. The number of available premium-free (“benchmark”) prescription plans for low-income enrollees varies from five to ten, depending on the state.

How old do you have to be to enroll in Medigap?

Some states have implemented legislation that makes it easier for seniors to switch from one Medigap plan to another, and for people under age 65 to enroll in Medigap plans.

Does Alaska have Medicare Advantage?

Not surprisingly, the popularity of Medicare Advantage plans varies significantly from one state to another, with only one percent of the Medicare population enrolled in Advantage plans in A laska. (There are no individual Medicare Advantage plans available at all in Alaska.

Which states have Medicare Supplement?

If you select to add Medicare Supplement insurance, the plan is standardized in nearly all 50 states with the exception of Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Each state has the option to offer additional benefits beyond the federally determined “standard.”. Some people are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.

How many areas are Medicare Advantage plans rated in?

In most cases, Part A and Part B coverage is rated in five different areas and Part D is rated in four different areas.

How long does Medicare enrollment last?

Medicare enrollment begins with your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which lasts for seven months and opens three months before your 65 birthday (or four months before if you were born on the first of the month). Whether you receive Social Security payments or use an employer insurance plan can impact enrollment.

What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Advantage?

The type of Medicare plan you choose determines whether you may have coverage in all 50 states or within a specific care network. Original Medicare (or Medicare Part A & B) provides coverage anywhere in the U.S. that accepts Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage (or Medicare Part C) plans offer more benefits (such as dental, vision, hearing, ...

Does Medicare Advantage cover urgent care?

Still, all Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover care received in the emergency room or urgent care.

Is Medicare 5 star rated?

Some states may have 5-star rated Medicare plans available, but the rating doesn’t always mean it’s the right plan for your needs. It’s important to do your homework, and a licensed insurance agent can help you compare options and find a plan that meets your needs.

Is Medicare Supplement endorsed by the government?

Medicare Supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Our mission is to help every American get better health insurance and save money. If you’re looking for the government’s Medicare site, please navigate to www.medicare.gov.

What are the requirements for medicaid?

Medicaid is both a federal and state-funded program. Federal regulations require all Medicaid programs to adhere to certain rules and regulations, but other items are left up to individual states. That’s why every state has different eligibility requirements for Medicaid. All states have the ability to add different benefits to their Medicaid programs, but all states are required to include: 1 Family planning, midwives, and qualified birth centers 2 Home health 3 Hospital services 4 Screenings and diagnostic tests 5 Lab tests and X-rays 6 Medical transportation 7 Nursing facilities 8 Pediatric physician services 9 Physician services 10 Qualified health centers and clinics 11 Tobacco cessation for pregnant women

Is Medicaid a federal or state program?

Medicaid is both a federal and state-funded program. Federal regulations require all Medicaid programs to adhere to certain rules and regulations, but other items are left up to individual states. That’s why every state has different eligibility requirements for Medicaid. All states have the ability to add different benefits to their Medicaid ...

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9