Medicare Advantage FAQ

Question 1

What is Medicare Advantage?

Accepted Answer

Medicare Advantage (also called Medicare Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans bundle your Part A (hospital), Part B (medical), and usually Part D (prescription drug) coverage into one plan — and often include extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing that Original Medicare doesn't cover.

Question 2

How is Medicare Advantage different from Original Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Original Medicare is the federal government program with Part A and Part B. Medicare Advantage is offered by private insurers and must cover everything Original Medicare covers, but often adds extra benefits and may have lower out-of-pocket costs. The trade-off is that Advantage plans typically use networks of doctors and hospitals, while Original Medicare lets you see any provider that accepts Medicare.

Question 3

Do I still need Medicare Part A and Part B if I have Medicare Advantage?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B to join a Medicare Advantage plan. You'll continue to pay your Part B premium, and your Medicare Advantage plan may cover additional costs on top of that.

Question 4

How much does Medicare Advantage cost?

Accepted Answer

Many Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 monthly premium — meaning you pay nothing beyond your standard Medicare Part B premium. However, costs vary by plan and location. Some plans have copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. I'll compare all the costs side-by-side so you know exactly what you'd pay before you enroll.

Question 5

What extra benefits do Medicare Advantage plans include?

Accepted Answer

Many plans include benefits Original Medicare doesn't cover, such as dental cleanings and exams, vision care and eyeglasses, hearing aids, fitness memberships (like SilverSneakers), over-the-counter allowances, and transportation to medical appointments. Benefits vary by plan and location — I'll help you find plans with the extras that matter most to you.

Question 6

Will my doctors be covered under a Medicare Advantage plan?

Accepted Answer

Most Medicare Advantage plans use a network of doctors and hospitals. Before enrolling, I always check that your current doctors and preferred hospitals are in-network. If keeping your current providers is a priority, I'll make sure any plan I recommend includes them.

Question 7

When can I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan?

Accepted Answer

There are several enrollment windows: your Initial Enrollment Period (when you first become eligible for Medicare, around your 65th birthday), the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7 each year), and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31). Special Enrollment Periods are also available if you experience certain life events, like moving or losing other coverage.

Question 8

Can I switch Medicare Advantage plans?

Accepted Answer

Yes. During the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7), you can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, switch back to Original Medicare, or add or drop a Part D drug plan. During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1 – Mar 31), you can make one switch if you're already enrolled in an Advantage plan.

Question 9

What if I miss my enrollment window?

Accepted Answer

Missing an enrollment window can limit your options, but there may still be Special Enrollment Periods available depending on your situation. Contact me and I'll help you understand your options and find the best path forward.

Question 10

Is your service really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, completely free. I'm compensated by the insurance carriers when you enroll in a plan — this is standard practice in the Medicare industry and is regulated by the government. It does not affect your premium or the plans available to you. You never pay me a fee, ever.

Question 11

Am I obligated to enroll if I get a quote?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. You can get a full comparison of plans available in your area and walk away with no obligation whatsoever. My goal is to give you the information you need to make the best decision for yourself — on your timeline, not mine.

Question 12

What information do I need to get a quote?

Accepted Answer

Just a few basics: your name, zip code, date of birth, and whether you have any preferred doctors or medications you'd like covered. That's it. I'll take it from there and come back to you with a clear comparison of your best options.

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