Medicare Blog

what is the best medicare advantage plan for louisiana

by Dr. Cristal Oberbrunner Sr. Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Compare Medicare Advantage Plans in Louisiana

Insurance company Medicare rating A.M. Best rating BBB rating NCQA rating
Aetna 4 stars A A+ 2.5 to 4.5 stars
Blue Cross Blue Shield 3.8 stars A – B++ A+ 2.5 to 4.5 stars
Humana 4 stars A- A+ 1.5 to 4.5 stars
UnitedHealthcare 3.5 stars A- A- 4 stars
Jul 1 2022

Full Answer

How to purchase Medicare Advantage plans?

Security Health Plan offers six Medicare Advantage plans in 55 Wisconsin counties. Four of the plans offer Part D prescription drug coverage including one with a $0 premium.

What do you pay in a Medicare Advantage plan?

  • Complete a new Medicare enrollment (unless you are in your initial or special enrollment period)
  • Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage
  • Enroll in a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan (unless you are moving to Original Medicare from Medicare Advantage)

More items...

Should I choose a Medicare Advantage plan?

Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans have maximum annual out-of-pocket limits, which can save policyholders with chronic health conditions a lot of money. On the other hand, those with Medicare Advantage plans are often more limited in where they can receive care.

How much are Medicare Advantage plans?

The updated services in the above 4 kinds of insurance help clients ensure they have comprehensive health coverage, can cover important end-of-life expenses, and can set up a guaranteed source of income if they are at or near retirement. More details are available at https://www.paulbinsurance.com/life-insurance

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What is the most widely accepted Medicare Advantage plan?

AARP/UnitedHealthcare is the most popular Medicare Advantage provider with many enrollees valuing its combination of good ratings, affordable premiums and add-on benefits. For many people, AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans fall into the sweet spot for having good benefits at an affordable price.

What Medicare Advantage plans are available in Louisiana?

There are four types of plans available in Louisiana's Medicare Advantage program: Health maintenance organization (HMO), preferred provider organization (PPO), private fee-for-service (PFFS), and special needs plan (SNP).

What Medicare has a 5 star rating?

The 21 health plans earning 5 stars include KelseyCare Advantage, Kaiser Permanente, UnitedHealthcare, CarePlus by Humana, Tufts Health Plan, Health Partners, Capital District Physicians' Health Plan, Quartz Medicare Advantage of Wisconsin, Cigna, Health Sun - Anthem, BCBS - Health Now New York and Martins Point.

What are the negatives to a Medicare Advantage Plan?

The takeaway There are some disadvantages as well, including provider limitations, additional costs, and lack of coverage while traveling. Whether you choose original Medicare or Medicare Advantage, it's important to review healthcare needs and Medicare options before choosing your coverage.

How much does Medicare cost in Louisiana?

Medicare in Louisiana details The average Medicare Advantage monthly premium decreased in Louisiana compared to last year — from $14.40 in 2021 to $14.53 in 2022.

What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?

Original Medicare covers inpatient hospital and skilled nursing services – Part A - and doctor visits, outpatient services and some preventative care – Part B. Medicare Advantage plans cover all the above (Part A and Part B), and most plans also cover prescription drugs (Part D).

What is the best way to compare Medicare Advantage plans?

The Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov is currently the most comprehensive tool for comparing Medicare Advantage plan benefits, prescription drug coverage and costs.

What is the Medicare deductible for 2022?

$233The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries is $233 in 2022, an increase of $30 from the annual deductible of $203 in 2021.

What is the best Medicare Part D plan for 2022?

The 5 Best Medicare Part D Providers for 2022Best in Ease of Use: Humana.Best in Broad Information: Blue Cross Blue Shield.Best for Simplicity: Aetna.Best in Number of Medications Covered: Cigna.Best in Education: AARP.

Can you switch from original Medicare to Medicare Advantage?

You can switch from original Medicare to Medicare Advantage during one of the Medicare open enrollment periods. Medicare Advantage plans offer a popular substitute for Original Medicare (Parts A and B).

Do Medicare Advantage plan premiums increase with age?

The way they set the price affects how much you pay now and in the future. Generally the same monthly premium is charged to everyone who has the Medigap policy, regardless of age. Your premium isn't based on your age. Premiums may go up because of inflation and other factors, but not because of your age.

Can you cancel a Medicare Advantage plan at any time?

No, you can't switch Medicare Advantage plans whenever you want. But you do have options if you're unhappy with your plan. You can jump to another plan or drop your Medicare Advantage plan and change to original Medicare during certain times each year.

How many Medicare Advantage plans are there in Louisiana?

There are 881 different Louisiana Medicare Advantage plans in 2019. 1. A licensed insurance agent can help you compare the availability, benefits and costs of Medicare Advantage plans in your area of Louisiana, because not every plan is available in each county. Read below to learn more about Medicare in your state.

How much does Medicare cost in Louisiana?

Average costs of Medicare Advantage in Louisiana. The average Medicare Advantage plan premium in Louisiana in 2019 was $4 per month. That’s due partly to the fact that 387 of the state’s 51 available plans offer $0 premiums, and 88 percent of the state’s beneficiaries were enrolled in a $0 premium plan. Average monthly premium cost in 2019 ...

What are the five categories of Medicare Advantage plans?

Medicare Advantage plans are rated in the following five categories: Preventive care and health maintenance (screenings, tests, vaccines, etc.) Management of chronic conditions. Member experiences and ratings of the plan. Member complaints, member retention and plan performance. Customer service.

What is a SEP in Louisiana?

Medicare Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) A Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP) could potentially be granted to you at any time throughout the year if you have a specific qualifying circumstance. A licensed Louisiana insurance agent can help you find out if you qualify for a Medicare Special Enrollment Period.

Which parish has the highest Medicare premium?

Orleans Parish, Ascension Parish and Jefferson Parish each had the highest number of $0 premium plans available, with 11 such plans in each parish in 2019. Jefferson County had by far the highest number of Medicare Advantage plan enrollees in 2019, with 99.9 percent of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries in the county belonging to a $0 premium plan.

When does Medicare open enrollment end?

Medicare Advantage open enrollment lasts from January 1 to March 31 every year. During this period, you may switch Medicare Advantage plans or drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare.

Can you get Medicare if you have ESRD?

You have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), and you or your spouse have paid Social Security taxes for a certain length of time. If you have ESRD, you may not qualify for most Medicare Advantage plans. You may, however, be able to enroll in a Louisiana Medicare Special Needs Plan (SNP).

What to know when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan in Louisiana?

One key thing that you will want to know when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan in Louisiana is that there may be network restrictions. It’s important to understand these restrictions before purchasing a Medicare Advantage plan. This is a quick guide to help you better understand these restrictions:

What is the Medicare Advantage payment increase in Louisiana?

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved a 2.53% payment increase to Medicare insurers that offer Medicare Advantage plans in Louisiana.

How many Medicare beneficiaries are there in Louisiana?

There were 867,826 Medicare beneficiaries in Louisiana in 2018. 294,948 of Medicare beneficiaries in Louisiana were enrolled in Medicare Advantage in 2018.

What is a PPO in Louisiana?

PPO Preferred Provider Organization Plans (PPO) in Louisiana. Includes a network. You aren’t required to see a doctor or go to a hospital in your provider’s network. Costs are lower when you see in-network providers. Referrals aren’t needed.

Does Medicare Advantage cover out of network?

Unlike HMO policies, PPO Medicare Advantage plans cover both in-network and out-of-network care, but your out-of-pocket expenses are higher when you see out-of-network providers. Traveling With Plan: Both preferred provider organization PPO plans and health maintenance organization HMO plans, you can enjoy peace of mind in knowing ...

Does Medicare cover prescription drugs?

Prescription drug coverage is not included with Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B or any of the Medicare Supplement plans. However, many Medicare Advantage plans in LA do include Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans. These costs are included in your rates, so when you compare rates, you might notice that plans that include prescription drug ...

Do you have to pay for prescription drugs if you don't have Medicare?

Even if you’re eligible for Medicare and become fully enrolled in Original Medicare, you will have to pay out-of-pocket for your prescription drugs if you don’t sign up for some sort of Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Prescription drug coverage is not included with Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B or any of the Medicare Supplement plans. ...

What is a senior health insurance counselor in Louisiana?

Available through the Louisiana Department of Insurance, the Senior Health Insurance Information Program provides counseling services to Medicare beneficiaries throughout Louisiana from offices located all around the state. Trained counselors offer unbiased, one-on-one guidance over the phone or face-to-face for seniors and disabled persons with proof of state residency who have Medicare or will soon enroll in Medicare. SHIIP counselors help beneficiaries better understand Medicare coverage options and benefits to protect them from paying too much for medical care and prescription drugs. Medicare counseling is completely free and confidential. SHIIP counselors can also explain private insurance options to beneficiaries who find that Medicare doesn’t cover all their costs, but no one will ever try to sell anything to program participants.

What is the New Orleans Council on Aging?

The New Orleans Council on Aging administers the Aging and Disability Resource Center for the parishes of Orleans, Plaquemines and St. Bernard. The ADRC is a collaborative effort of the Administration for Community Living and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and offers counseling on Medicare and Medicaid enrollment. This is a free service that provides answers and guidance to seniors and adults with disabilities, including Medicare counseling, assistance with Part D selection, and advice about the Prescription Assistance Program available for anyone needing help paying for their medications and Medicare beneficiaries in the Part D coverage gap known as the donut hole.

What are the services of Caddo Council on Aging?

For seniors living in the parishes of Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Red River, Natchitoches, Sabine and Webster, the Caddo Council on Aging offers information and counseling on Medicare and long-term care options from its Shreveport office. Seniors age 60 or older or disabled adults age 21 or over can talk with trained counselors, free of charge, who help them navigate complex insurance programs and answer questions on Medicare coverages, benefits and so on. Counselors can also assist with filling out Medicare Part D applications and finding the best plan each year, and they help low-income individuals complete applications for discounted medicines from drug companies.

What is a PPO plan?

While a PPO covers part of the cost for a nonnetwork provider , members pay the lowest co-pay and coinsurance rates by staying within the network. Plan members typically don’t need a referral to see a specialist, but seeing a network specialist costs less. Like HMOs, PPOs usually cover prescription drugs, but it’s not required, and participants can’t sign up for Medicare Part D if prescriptions aren’t included.

What is ADRC in Louisiana?

To assist older adults and disabled individuals within the state of Louisiana, the GOEA has expanded the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Centers and SenioRX Programs to assist with the unmet needs of underserved community members. ADRC offices are located throughout the state, and each office serves multiple parishes or regions. Services are free of charge to anyone, regardless of age, ability or income. For Medicare-eligible seniors, ADRC provides annual Medicare checkups to ensure they’re getting all the benefits they desire. Benefits counselors are also available to assist with applications and offer free counseling for seniors and preretirees with questions about Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement Insurance, Prescription Drug Plans and Medicaid.

Does Louisiana have Medicare Advantage?

Not every Medicare Advantage plan in Louisiana includes prescription drug coverage, but those that do are sometimes called MA-PDs. In most cases, HMOs and PPOs cover prescription drugs and may require a separate monthly premium. If the plan doesn’t include drug coverage, participants can’t join a prescription drug plan through Medicare Part D or they lose their Medicare Advantage plan. Prescription drugs also may be covered in PFFS plans, but under these plans, participants can sign up for Medicare Part D when the plan doesn’t offer drug coverage. All SNPs are required by law to provide prescription drug coverage.

What Is Medicare Advantage in Louisiana?

Also known as Medicare Part C, Medicare Advantage plans must provide the same coverage as Original Medicare (Part A, hospital insurance, and Part B, medical insurance). However, they may also provide additional benefits, such as prescription drug coverage and fitness programs.

Louisiana Medicare Advantage Plans with Prescription Drug Coverage

You can get your Original Medicare benefits plus Part D coverage with a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan (MA-PD). If you choose an MA plan that does not cover prescription medications, you'll need a standalone Medicare Part D plan.

Who Is Eligible for Medicare Advantage in Louisiana?

You are eligible for Medicare Advantage in Louisiana as soon as you have both Medicare Part A and Part B. American citizens and permanent legal residents age 65 and older qualify for Medicare.

When Can You Sign Up for a Medicare Advantage Plan in Louisiana?

There are five main Medicare Advantage enrollment periods in Louisiana.

Types of Medicare Advantage Plans in Louisiana

There are four main types of Medicare Advantage plans in Louisiana. They are:

How to Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan in Louisiana

To find the best Medicare Advantage plan for your unique situation, look at the following metrics:

Which is the best Medicare Advantage plan for low copays?

5. Best for Low Copays and Deductibles: Blue Cross Blue Shield. If you visit the doctor’s office frequently, require prescriptions often or have a specialist you see throughout the year, copays may be your main concern. Blue Cross Blue Shield offers many Medicare Advantage options, all with low copay options.

How many parts does Medicare Advantage have?

Since Medicare Advantage combines 2-3 parts of Medicare, we’ve compiled the most popular Medicare Advantage carriers below broken into helpful categories.

What is Medicare Part C?

Medicare Part C refers to Medicare Advantage Plans that offer additional coverage in exchange for a monthly premium. Part D, the prescription plan, reduces the cost of medications but also requires a monthly premium. Subsidies may be available for low income households to help reduce overall Medicare costs.

How to contact Social Security in Louisiana?

Call the Social Security office at 800-772-1213. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST. Go to your local Social Security branch. You can find Social Security office locations in Louisiana by entering your ZIP code here.

Is Medicare good for over 65s?

Knowing your healthcare options is another important decision you should tackle as early as possible. Medicare is a popular option for those over 65, so you’ll want to learn as much as you can about this government healthcare program before deciding if it’s right for you.

Does Aetna offer Medicare in Louisiana?

Aetna is a major name in the healthcare industry, offering a large selection of Medicare Advantage options in Louisiana. It offers several policies that allow you to choose a doctor in or out of network, with different deductibles for both (typically $6,400 in-network and $10,000 out-of-network).

Does Humana have Medicare?

Humana has a large number of Medicare plans available in Louisiana for low prices. Not only does Humana offer a good selection of Medicare Advantage products, it also has copays and drug deductibles starting at $0, saving you hundreds.

What is the average Medicare Advantage rating in Louisiana?

The average Star Rating for Medicare Advantage plans in Louisiana is between 4 and 4.5. However, people in most counties are enrolled in 3- or 3.5-star plans. There are no 5-star plans in Louisiana. 6

How much does Medicare cost in Louisiana?

But the average monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan in Louisiana is less than $45.

What are the two options for Medicare?

If you’re eligible for Medicare, you have two options for receiving your benefits: Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Enrolling in Medicare Advantage allows you to receive your benefits in one comprehensive plan, much like health plans that employers sponsor for their employees.

Does Louisiana have Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage plans cover everything Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers, but many Medicare Advantage plans in Louisiana pay for a lot more. These are a few of the most common extra benefits covered by Medicare Advantage plans: 4

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