If you’re shopping for a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, you probably have several options to choose from. So how do you find the plan that’s right for you?
The first step is understanding Medicare Advantage plans and the type of coverage they provide. One of the most important things to know is that all MA plans are offered by private insurance companies contracted with Medicare. By law, these plans must provide at least the same level of coverage that Medicare Part A and Part B, often called Original Medicare, provide. But many MA plans also provide additional benefits not included in Original Medicare.
Using a tool that helps you compare the different MA plans side by side is a great way to ensure the plan you choose will help you achieve your health goals.
Individual MA plans can differ greatly based on elements like how much the plan costs, which doctors you can see and whether the plan includes added benefits like a fitness memberships or an allowance to help pay for approved over-the-counter products. Using a tool that helps you compare the different MA plans available is a great way to ensure the coverage you choose will help you achieve your health goals.
What do I need to know about comparing Medicare Advantage plans?
Compare Medicare Advantage plans side by side to review costs, provider networks and additional benefits. Using the Medicare Advantage comparison worksheet can help you organize plan details and choose coverage that fits your health needs and budget.
What are the different types of Medicare Advantage plans?
There are several types of Medicare Advantage plans to choose from:
- Medicare Advantage HMO – Choose your primary care provider and get access to a network of doctors and hospitals.
- Medicare Advantage HMO-POS – Get added flexibility to use out-of-network providers for certain plan covered services. You will typically pay more when you receive care outside the plan's network.
- Medicare Advantage PPO – Get more flexibility to go out of network, although you may pay more when you do.
Explore Aetna Medicare Advantage plan options to compare coverage and benefits
A worksheet to help you compare Medicare Advantage plans and find coverage that works for you
By downloading, printing and filling out our Medicare Advantage plan comparison worksheet, you can keep track of the most important elements of different MA plans as you do your research. Gathering the relevant information for the categories included in the worksheet will allow you to perform a side-by-side comparison of different Medicare plans. You can fill out the form while doing research on your own online, or you can work with an agent to help complete the worksheet. And if you already have coverage and are interested in seeing how it stacks up to other options, enter the relevant information from your current plan in the first column so you can easily compare it to other plans.
See our article about the different parts of Medicare to learn more.
When can I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan?
There are several Medicare Advantage enrollment periods when you may be able to enroll in or change your coverage.
For many people, the first opportunity to enroll is during their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), a 7-month window around their 65th birthday.
Each year, the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7. During this time, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or switch to a different plan.
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) runs from January 1 to March 31. If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare.
Commonly asked questions about comparing Medicare Advantage plans
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Medicare Advantage plan availability can vary by ZIP code and county. You can search by ZIP code to review plans available in your area and compare their coverage, costs and provider networks. Plan details and availability may change from year to year.
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You can compare Medicare Advantage plans in your area by reviewing plan costs, provider networks, prescription drug coverage and additional benefits. Also, using a Medicare tool to enter your ZIP code to view plans available where you live can be useful.
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Yes, a Medicare Advantage comparison worksheet can help you compare plans side by side. You can track details like monthly premiums, deductibles, copays, provider networks and extra benefits. Comparing plans this way can help you choose coverage that fits your health needs and budget.
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You can compare Medicare Advantage plans by reviewing monthly premiums, deductibles, copays, prescription drug coverage and out-of-pocket maximums side by side. Some plans may have a $0 monthly premium but higher costs when you receive care, while other plans may charge a monthly premium and offer lower copays or lower out-of-pocket costs. Comparing your expected health care usage, providers and prescriptions can help you choose the plan that may provide the best overall value.
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The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is a good time to review your current coverage and compare other Medicare Advantage plans available in your area. When comparing plans, review costs, provider networks, prescription drug coverage and additional benefits. Using a comparison worksheet or a Medicare plan tool can help you evaluate your options more clearly.
Use the Aetna Medicare ZIP code tool to compare plans near you
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