Does the plan pay any amount for care from providers outside the network?
Some Medicare Advantage plans pay a portion of medical bills for service from a doctor or other provider who's not in the plan's network. Other plans pay nothing at all for care from outside the network. If a plan is otherwise attractive but its network doesn't have an extensive roster near where your parent lives, then its rules regarding payment for care outside the network might be an important factor in choosing whether or not to enroll.
What services does the plan cover that Medicare doesn't?
One of the attractive features of most Medicare Advantage plans is their coverage of medical care not covered by traditional Medicare. A plan that offers extra services that your parent regularly needs -- such as eye exams and glasses, hearing tests and aids, chiropractic, or dental care -- may make that plan more attractive than a plan without such extras.
What does the plan cover when my parent is away from home?
Does your parent regularly spend time away from home, either traveling, staying at a second home, or visiting you or other family members? All Medicare Advantage plans must cover emergency and urgent care while your parent is anywhere in the United States. But there is no requirement that nonurgent care be covered, nor is there any required coverage outside the country. So, if your parent is often away, it's important to learn what coverage a Medicare Advantage plan would offer.
How does the plan compare to available medigap policies?
If your parent is considering a Medicare Advantage plan, it's a good idea to compare it not just with other Part C managed care plans but also with medigap supplemental insurance policies available where your parent lives. Medigap policies coordinate with and supplement traditional Medicare, filling in many of the gaps left unpaid by Parts A and B. Some medigap policies also cover certain extras also offered by Medicare Advantage plans (see "What services does the plan cover that Medicare does not?" above). So, before choosing a Medicare Advantage plan, compare it side by side with traditional Medicare Parts A and B combined with each good available medigap plan; be sure to look at premiums, deductibles, and copayments, as well as coverage away from home and extra services not covered by Medicare itself.
The truth-she HAS to pay the monthly Medicare part B-And then the plans own premium
The advertising for Medicare Advantage is very misleading. They adv. no premium and rx cov. Actually, in small print it says part b has to be maintained. Last year, there were so many complaints the gov. made them stop all adv. But they are back-the "services" you are paying extra for are mostly fluff (24/7 phone advice,etc.) It does not pay for part b svcs. that reg. medicare doesn't pay for-out of hosp. blood work, 20% not covered... But Medigap policies ARE mandated by law. So all must be up front and honest. If a Medigap policy is not in your budget, then buy a RX plan that's the highest rated in the Medicare book just mailed out. Please don't be fooled by ads saying a Medicare Advantage plan is endorsed by AARP.The insurance co. has simply paid AARP -again small print says AARP does not endorse.... Google "medicare advantage v medigap"