Open Enrollment – Become Educated on Your Medicare Advantage Plan Options
Open enrollment has started and runs until December 7th. During this time you can decide which Medicare Advantage Plan is best for your needs, for the upcoming year. This is the time for people covered under Medicare or a Medicare advantage plan to decide if they are happy with their health insurance or wish to change plans.
The Advantages of A Medicare Advantage Plan
Local Customer Service
A major benefit of being covered under a Medicare advantage plan is that you will receive local customer care. In Western New York, Independent Health, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Univera, and Fidelis Care all offer Medicare advantage plans. By choosing any of these carriers you will be working with local representatives. Local carriers are quicker to address issues and help you choose the best plan for your needs. Most local physicians accept local insurance carriers. However, before you switch insurance be sure your physician is participating with the insurance company you choose.
Your Choice of Medical Equipment Provider
By choosing an advantage plan you are also able to choose which medical equipment provider you would prefer to work with. If you do not have an advantage plan you are unable to choose the provider that you would like to work with. Only providers that have won contracts with Medicare are able to supply you with certain equipment. This could also mean that you have to go to multiple suppliers depending on the contracts that they had won.
Less Hassle – Faster Results
Advantage plans are great because you do not have to meet the strict criteria that Medicare requires. These plans set their own criteria and guidelines needed for products covered by insurance. With an advantage plan patients will see that getting the things they need is much easier and faster.
Before Switching Consider This
- Does your doctor participate with that insurance?
- Do you want to deal with local representatives?
- Does this plan cover what is most important to you?
- Do you want an insurance that is easy to deal with and prompt?
- Contact your local insurance agents to better understand your options and where to go from here. Independent Health, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Univera, and Fidelis Care
