How to Compare Medicare Advantage Plans

Are you ready to compare your Medicare Advantage plan options?

If so, there are a few things you should know before you get started.

This article will review how Medicare Advantage plans differ and explore a few simple ways to compare plans.

How Medicare Advantage plans differ

There are over 2,300 Medicare Advantage plans available nationwide in 2018.¹

So how do you find the right plan for your needs with all those options?

You can narrow down your options by comparing plan benefits, types, costs and star ratings.*

And if you don’t want to wait, you can compare your plan options online now.

Plan benefits

All Medicare Advantage plans must provide at least the same benefits as Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare).

Certain plans may offer additional benefits such as vision, dental and prescription drug coverage, fitness programs or wellness benefits.

Plan types

There are several types of Medicare Advantage plans.

The most common plan types are Health Maintenance Organization plans (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization plans (PPO), Private Fee-for-Service plans (PFFS) and Special Needs Plans (SNP).

Each plan type has different network rules which may impact which medical providers you can use, how you receive your medical care and how much it will cost.

Plan costs

Medicare Advantage plans have several different costs you should consider including premiums, deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.

Your costs will vary depending on which plan you choose and which medical services you receive.

Keep in mind that you may have $0 premium plan options available in your area.** If you enroll in one of these plans, you still have to pay your Medicare Part B premium.

Star Ratings

Medicare gives Star Ratings to each Medicare Advantage plan.*

The Star Ratings are a quick summary of the plan’s quality and performance. Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-Star rating system ranging from 1 star (poor) to 5 stars (excellent). Star Ratings are calculated each year and may change from one year to the next.

How to Find and Compare Plans

Comparing plans online with Medicare.gov or MedicareAdvantage.com or over the phone with a licensed insurance agent can help you find an affordable plan quickly.

You can compare plans right now by entering your ZIP code on this page or by calling us directly at 1-800-557-6059, TTY: 711. Our agents are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

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.

If you use the general search, you can find Medicare plans in your area, but the cost estimates may not be as accurate as the personalized search.

In order to view your plans on the general search, you will need to answer some questions such as your ZIP code, how you get your Medicare coverage and if you get help paying your Medicare prescription drug costs.

If you use the personalized search, you will be able to view Medicare plans in your area with more accurate cost estimates than the general search.

In order to view your plans on the personalized search, you will need to answer specific Medicare questions such as your Medicare number, Part A effective date, date of birth and other questions.

Both search options show several types of Medicare plans in your area with detailed plan information such as estimated annual costs, premiums, Star Ratings and plan benefits.

Compare plans online with MedicareAdvantage.com

If you want to compare plans online and have one-on-one support from a licensed insurance agent, then you can use MedicareAdvantage.com.

MedicareAdvantage.com offers an online plan comparison tool where you can review Medicare Advantage plans side by side. You will be able to view plan details, benefits, costs, Star Ratings and other information. If a plan fits your needs, you can start the application process right away by calling a licensed insurance agent at 1-800-557-6059, TTY: 711 or by entering your information online and having a licensed insurance agent call you directly.

Even if you aren’t ready to apply, our USA-based, licensed insurance agents are available to answer your questions and discuss your plan options.

Reviewing plans online with MedicareAdvantage.com gives you the freedom to compare several plan options at your own pace and speak with a licensed insurance agent when you have questions.

Compare plans over the phone

If you’re looking for the most efficient way to compare plans, then you should consider comparing plans over the phone.

When you compare plans with a licensed insurance agent directly over the phone, you will have access to all the plan information mentioned above such as plan details, benefits, costs and other information.

What makes comparing plans over the phone different is that if you have any questions during the plan comparison process, such as how a certain benefit may help you or how much the plan’s deductible is, a licensed insurance agent can answer your questions right away.

All of our licensed insurance agents are based in the USA and can help you understand your plan options. Our help is provided at no cost to you. This means you are under no obligation to purchase a policy from us.

But, if you do find a plan that works for your coverage needs, you can start your enrollment process in just a few minutes.

Get started immediately by calling 1-800-557-6059, TTY: 711.

¹Kaiser Family Foundation “Medicare Advantage 2018 Data Spotlight: First Look” Published 10-13-17. https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/medicare-advantage-2018-data-spotlight-first-look/

**You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. $0 premium plans may not be available in all areas.