Medicare Advantage Plans offer a few key differences that distinguish them from Parts A and B of the
Original Medicare system managed by the federal government. While Part A pays for inpatient care at a hospital and Part B covers services and supplies used to treat or prevent medical conditions, Medicare Advantage Plans come with a few added benefits. Plans are required to offer the same level of care as Original
Medicare and may include additional health care benefits, such as prescription drug coverage, routine hearing, vision, and dental exams, and fitness club memberships: Designed to be an all-in-one solution, Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies. There are several types of Medicare Advantage Plans available, depending on your insurance provider and
location. Learn the differences between these plans and how they affect your coverage so that you can make the right choice for your medical situation. Compare ratings of some of MinnesotaMedicare Advantage Plan providers: Medicare Advantage Plans cover benefits from Original Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), usually Part D (prescription drug coverage), and sometimes
additional benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. Each Medicare Advantage Plan insurer sets the rules about how you receive and pay for these benefits. There are four types of plans available in Minnesota’s Medicare Advantage program: Health maintenance organization (HMO), preferred provider organization (PPO), private fee-for-service (PFFS), and special needs plan (SNP). Each
offers a different level of flexibility in your network of care providers and varies in price. All Medicare Advantage Plans provide the same coverage as Original Medicare, but additional benefits may come with an increased premium.Understand Medicare Part C in Minnesota
What Medicare Advantage Plans cover
Types of Medicare Advantage Plans in Minnesota
When to sign up for Medicare Advantage Plans in Minnesota
If you want to enroll in a Minnesota Medicare Advantage Plan, you need to be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, and you cannot be enrolled in Medigap. Enrollment is available to seniors 65 and older and those with a qualifying disability.
Your disability typically qualifies if you’ve received at least 24 Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) Disability Insurance payments. You can also enroll in Medicare Advantage Plans if you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
There are three periods when you can enroll:
- The first is the Initial Coverage Election Period when you first become eligible. This period includes the three months before your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday, and the three months following. If you have a disability, this period will occur three months before or after your 25th month of receiving benefits.
- The Annual Election Period runs from October 15 to December 7. During this period, you can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan. If you’re already enrolled in Medicare Advantage, you can switch between plans during this period.
- The Open Enrollment Period takes place between January 1 and March 31. You can switch between Medicare Advantage Plans or go back to Original Medicare during this period.
Medicare provides special enrollment periods for unusual life circumstances, such as losing your job (and health coverage) and moving out of the area your insurance carrier services.
How to Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan in Minnesota
Consider these factors as you compare Medicare Advantage Plans available in your area:
Medicare Advantage Resources in Minnesota
If you’re feeling confused by the multitude of plan options available, getting in touch with trained, unbiased counselors can be a good first step. Minnesota is home to several organizations that can help you make an informed decision.
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®
As a health care professional since 1987, Kelly Blackwell has walked alongside and cared for seniors as they journey through the season of their fourth quarter of life. Blackwell holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Northern Colorado, a Master of Science in health care administration from Grand Canyon University, an interprofessional graduate certificate in palliative care from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and holds a Certified Senior Advisor® credential from the Society of Certified Senior Advisors.
Blackwell contributes to the University of Colorado-Anschutz blog and has been published in “The Human Touch” distributed by the University of Colorado Center for Bioethics and Humanities. She cowrote “Dying Is” for Pathways Hospice.
A registered nurse, Blackwell understands health insurance choices influence quality of life and are driven by values, goals, and beliefs. She’s passionate about engaging with, educating, and empowering seniors as they navigate the health care system. She’s equipped to lend an experienced, compassionate voice to beneficiaries seeking information about Medicare Advantage Plans.
As a CSA®, Blackwell has access to valuable resources for Medicare beneficiaries. Her work as a bedside nurse and clinical manager has given her the opportunity to see how Medicare rules, regulations, and benefits work when patients need them. With a passion to learn and to make a difference in the lives of seniors, Blackwell supports seniors through Medicare and fourth-quarter life decisions.
Learn More From Our Sources
- Medicare | Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) | Last accessed October 2022
- Medicare | How do Medicare Advantage Plans work? | Last accessed October 2022
- Medicare | How Original Medicare works | Last accessed October 2022
- Medicare | Joining a Health or Drug Plan | Last accessed October 2022
- Medicare | Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) | Last accessed October 2022
- Medicare | Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) Plans | Last accessed October 2022
- Medicare | Special Needs Plans (SNP) | Last accessed October 2022