9 May 2023Medicare Advantage (also known as Medicare Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare, offering everything that Original Medicare offers plus more, all in one planthat Original Medicare offers plus more, all in one plan. For example, Alignment Health Plan will offer a range of different Medicare Advantage plan options for 2023 in Arizona, California, Nevada, Florida, Texas and North Carolina so that you can find the right one to suit your specific needs. Many Medicare Advantage plans like Alignment Health Plan, include supplemental benefits, such as hearing, dental, and vision care, gym or fitness programs. Most Medicare Advantage plans also include Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D), have low or no premiums, and lower deductibles. 4. CHECK OUT THE PROVIDERS ASSOCIATED WITH PLANS. Review the provider networks that are a part of the plans you are considering. Since it's possible that doctors, clinics and hospitals you have used for years do not accept certain plans, the plan you choose may not cover out-of-network providers or may charge a higher deductible and copayment for using them. Also consider plans that offer you flexibility in how they offer care. For example, Alignment's popular and highly rated Care Anywhere program delivers personalized, timely and coordinated care wherever members need it -- ­ at the senior's home, in a health care facility or through a virtual channel. 5. LOOK FOR PLANS THAT INCLUDE VIRTUAL CARE. Telehealth will increasingly become a standardized part of care, as providers look to closely monitor chronic diseases to improve patient care and outcomes. Medicare Advantage plans can include additional benefits such as in-home health visits. To offer seniors with flexibility and convenience in accessing care, Alignment Health Plan offers a range of virtual-first plans.6. CHECK OUT RESOURCES AND CONSULT WITH EXPERTS. Still overwhelmed? You're not alone. To find out more about Medicare annual enrollment and which plans are available to you by zip code, go to Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov or onto the plan's website. If you need an expert's opinion to help you make your decision, you can consult with a licensed health care broker ­ an insurance agent who can help you compare plans, benefits, and out-of-pocket expenses, and make sure you have the right coverage for your health needs. Insurance brokers represent a range of Part C, standalone Part D plans and Medicare supplement plans and can help you make your choices. You can also look for recognitions awarded to plans by reputable organizations. For example, Alignment Health Plan has earned the 2022 Senior Choice Gold Award in San Francisco, San Joaquin, Santa Clara and Stanislaus counties in California.7. REMEMBER THE NEXT HEALTH PLAN CHANGE DEADLINE. Although the annual Medicare enrollment period ends Dec. 7, if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch from to another Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare if you're unhappy with the plan you selected between Jan. 1 and March 31 of each year. This open enrollment period from January to March is available only to Medicare Advantage enrollees, which means you cannot change from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage coverage. If you miss Medicare's open enrollment, you may be able to make changes to your coverage through a special enrollment period if you're eligible. If you do not qualify for a special enrollment period, you'll need to wait for the next annual enrollment or open enrollment period to make changes to your Medicare plan.
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