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    • 4 Essential Medicare Advantage Questions Answered for 2025
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    4 Essential Medicare Advantage Questions Answered for 2025

    Online Niel Posted on

    The annual enrollment window for eligible people to select a Medicare Advantage plan or prescription drug plan began on October 15th and runs through December 7th. Whether you choose a plan for you or a loved one, it’s important to take the time to evaluate your health needs and budget to make sure you choose a plan that’s right for you. To help you understand and evaluate your options, Bill White, president of Oklahoma Medicare at Humana, provided answers to the most common questions he receives about Medicare Advantage.

    I’ve heard a lot about Medicare Advantage. what is it

    Medicare Advantage plans, managed by private insurance companies, provide health insurance to Medicare-eligible people age 65 and older or those who are eligible because of a qualifying disability. They help cover hospital bills and doctor visits, just like Original Medicare, but many also cover prescription drugs and often include additional benefits, such as routine dental, vision or hearing coverage. Medicare Advantage ensures that your covered medical costs, including doctor visits and necessary emergency care, will never exceed an out-of-pocket maximum that you know in advance.

    If I already have a Medicare Advantage plan that I like, do I need to do anything during open enrollment to keep my coverage?

    If you are happy with your plan and it’s still available, you don’t need to do anything – it will continue until 2025. Keep in mind, however, that plan benefits and costs can change annually, so I always recommend reviewing the information you have. get from your insurance carrier to make sure you get the coverage you want and that fits your needs. At Humana, we adjust our plans every year to make sure we offer affordable care and the benefits our members say matter most to them.

    With Medicare Advantage, am I limited to the carrier’s provider network if I want to avoid out-of-network charges?

    This varies because each type of Medicare Advantage plan has different network rules. Some have limited networks and require referrals to see a specialist, while others allow you to see out-of-network providers without specialist referrals. I recommend that you check if your doctors your preferred in-network providers and understand costs for both in-network and out-of-network providers to ensure you select a plan that fits both your budget and style. of life.

    I like to travel. If I travel out of state, will I be covered under Medicare Advantage?

    There is sometimes a misconception that you cannot travel with Medicare Advantage. If travel is a priority for you, then you need to look at this when comparing plans. Your plan type and carrier network will determine your coverage when you leave home. At Humana, we’ve designed several Medicare Advantage plans for people who travel and want the convenience of seeking care no matter where they are. With these PPO plans, you can visit any in-network doctor who agrees to treat you from coast to coast, and it will cost the same as when you’re at home.

    Taking the time now to evaluate your plan can help you avoid any long-term headaches. Review your options by December 7 to make sure you have the right plan for you. To learn more about Medicare eligibility and how it works, visit Humana.com/MedicareBasics. If you have additional questions or need assistance selecting a plan, you can contact a licensed insurance agent. Your health and peace of mind are worth the time you spend making informed decisions.

    Bill White has been with Humana for 17 years. In his current role, he leads all Humana Medicare operations, including strategic and business partnership development, clinical utilization management, membership growth and membership retention for Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

    Disclaimer: Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan is subject to contract renewal. Out-of-network/non-contracted providers are not required to treat Plan members except in emergency situations. Please call our customer service number or see your Proof of Coverage for more information, including cost sharing that applies to out-of-network services.

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    Members of the USA TODAY Network newsroom and staff were not involved in the creation of this content.

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