Understand Medicare Advantage Before You Choose
Medicare Advantage plans provide Part A and Part B benefits through private Medicare-approved insurers. Plans, networks, drug coverage and costs vary by county and ZIP code.
How Medicare Advantage works
Also called Medicare Part C, Medicare Advantage is an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits. You must remain enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, and you generally continue paying the Part B premium.
Coverage
Plans cover Medicare Part A and Part B services. Many plans also include Part D prescription coverage and may offer additional benefits.
Networks
HMO and PPO plans use provider networks differently. Confirm every doctor, specialist, hospital and pharmacy in the exact plan.
Costs
Compare premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and the plan’s annual medical out-of-pocket limit—not just the monthly premium.
What to review before enrolling
Your care
- Primary doctor and specialists
- Preferred hospitals and facilities
- Referral and prior-authorization rules
Your prescriptions
- Every medication and dosage
- Drug tier and restrictions
- Preferred pharmacies and mail order
Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare
Original Medicare is administered by the federal government and generally lets you use any provider that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage is offered by private insurers and may require you to use a network or follow plan rules. Medicare Supplement insurance works with Original Medicare; it cannot be used to pay Medicare Advantage cost sharing.
Learn more about Medicare Supplement, Part D prescription plans, and Medicare enrollment periods.
Medicare Advantage questions
Do Medicare Advantage plans replace Medicare?
No. You remain enrolled in Medicare, but the private plan administers your Part A and Part B benefits.
Do all plans include prescription coverage?
Many do, but not every plan. Confirm whether the exact plan includes Part D and whether your medications are covered.
Can I use any doctor?
It depends on the plan. HMOs and PPOs have different network rules, so verify each provider in the exact plan network.
Are extra benefits the same on every plan?
No. Dental, vision, hearing, transportation, fitness and allowance benefits vary by plan and may have limits or conditions.
Want help comparing Texas plans?
A licensed Precise Insurance agent can help you compare available options based on your doctors, prescriptions and budget.
Precise Insurance Group is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Plan availability, benefits and costs vary by location and plan. For complete Medicare information, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.