The promise of dental, vision, and hearing coverage is one of the main reasons people look into Medicare Advantage plans. After all, Original Medicare doesn’t cover these routine services, and the out-of-pocket costs can add up quickly. While these extra benefits are a fantastic perk, they are just one part of the story. It’s important to understand the whole picture, including the plan’s network rules, copayments, and out-of-pocket limits. This guide will walk you through both the pros and the cons, giving you a realistic look at how Medicare Advantage plans in Texas work so you can decide if they’re the right fit for you.
Key Takeaways
- Embrace the All-in-One Approach with a Caveat: Medicare Advantage simplifies your health coverage by bundling hospital, medical, and drug benefits into a single plan. In exchange for this convenience and extra perks like dental, you’ll generally need to use doctors and hospitals within the plan’s network.
- Your Personal Needs Dictate the Best Plan: The right plan is the one that fits your life, not your neighbor’s. Focus on your specific prescriptions, your trusted doctors, and your health priorities to find a plan that truly works for you, and always verify your providers are in-network before enrolling.
- Look Beyond the Monthly Premium for the True Cost: A plan’s affordability is determined by more than just a $0 premium. To understand your potential expenses, always review the deductible, copayments for services you use, and the annual maximum out-of-pocket limit.
What Is a Medicare Advantage Plan?
Think of a Medicare Advantage Plan, also known as Part C, as an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare. These plans are offered by private insurance companies that have been approved by Medicare. Instead of getting your hospital coverage (Part A) and medical coverage (Part B) directly from the federal government, you get it all through one private plan.
This is a really common choice for people on Medicare. The key thing to remember is that even though a private company provides the plan, you are still in the Medicare program and have all the rights and protections that come with it. Most Medicare Advantage Plans also roll in your prescription drug coverage (Part D), so you have one plan and one card for almost all of your healthcare needs. It’s designed to be a simpler, more consolidated way to manage your health coverage.
How Is It Different From Original Medicare?
The biggest difference comes down to who is providing your coverage and what’s included. Original Medicare is the traditional, government-run health program, while a Medicare Advantage Plan is a bundled plan from a private insurer. By law, every Advantage Plan must cover everything that Original Medicare covers. You don’t lose any of your core hospital or medical benefits. The main distinction is that Advantage Plans often include extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. This can include routine dental check-ups, vision exams for glasses or contacts, hearing aid coverage, and prescription drugs—all wrapped into a single plan.
How Do These Plans Work?
When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you’re choosing to receive your Medicare benefits through a private company. That company then gets a fixed monthly amount from Medicare to provide your care. You’ll use the insurance card from your plan provider, not your red, white, and blue Medicare card, when you go to the doctor or hospital. These plans typically have a network of doctors and hospitals that you’ll need to use to keep your costs down. By bundling hospital, medical, and often drug coverage together, these plans streamline your healthcare experience. They handle all the administration while being required to provide, at a minimum, the same benefits as Original Medicare.
Why Consider a Medicare Advantage Plan?
For many people in Texas, the main draw is the extra coverage. These plans often include benefits you’d otherwise have to pay for completely out of pocket. Think about routine dental care like cleanings and X-rays, eye exams, and coverage for hearing aids. Beyond that, many plans offer wellness perks designed to keep you healthy, such as gym memberships through programs like SilverSneakers or Renew Active. Some even provide allowances for over-the-counter health items at the pharmacy or help with transportation to your doctor’s appointments. If you’re looking for more comprehensive coverage in a single, predictable plan, a Medicare Advantage Plan is definitely worth exploring.
What Are the Types of Medicare Advantage Plans in Texas?
When you start looking at Medicare Advantage plans, you’ll notice a lot of acronyms: HMO, PPO, SNP. It can feel like learning a new language. But don’t worry—these are just different ways the plans are structured. Each type offers a unique approach to how you receive your healthcare. Understanding the basic differences is the first step to finding a plan that fits your life, your health needs, and your budget. Let’s break down the most common types of Medicare Advantage plans you’ll find here in Texas.
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
Think of an HMO plan as having a home base for your healthcare. With this type of plan, you generally need to use doctors, hospitals, and specialists within the plan’s network. You’ll also choose a Primary Care Physician (PCP) who acts as your main point person for all your health needs. As one of the major providers, Humana explains, “You choose a main doctor (PCP) from Humana’s network to manage your care.” This structure often comes with lower out-of-pocket costs and straightforward copays, but it offers less flexibility if you want to see specialists outside the network. For most non-emergency situations, you’ll need a referral from your PCP to see a specialist.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
If you value flexibility, a PPO plan might be a better fit. These plans have a network of “preferred” doctors and hospitals, and you’ll pay the lowest price when you stay within that network. However, you have the freedom to go outside the network for care, though you’ll likely pay more. Unlike an HMO, you usually don’t need a referral from a primary doctor to see a specialist. PPO plans give you more control to visit any Medicare-approved doctor, even those outside the plan’s network, as long as they accept the terms. This flexibility is a key reason why PPOs are a popular choice for people who travel or want more options for their care.
Special Needs Plans (SNPs)
Special Needs Plans are designed to provide focused and specialized care for people with specific situations. To join an SNP, you must meet certain criteria. For example, some plans are for people who have both Medicare and Medicaid, live in a nursing home, or have a severe chronic condition like diabetes, heart failure, or ESRD. In Texas, all the major insurance companies, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, and Aetna, offer Special Needs Plans in certain areas. These plans tailor their benefits, provider choices, and drug formularies to best meet the needs of the members they serve, often providing extra support and care coordination.
Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS)
Private Fee-for-Service plans are a less common but highly flexible option. With a PFFS plan, you can generally go to any Medicare-approved doctor or hospital that accepts the plan’s payment terms and agrees to treat you. You don’t need to choose a primary care doctor or get referrals for specialists. However, it’s crucial to check with each provider before your visit to ensure they accept the plan. As Medicare’s official site notes, these health plan options may have different rules for how you get care, so always confirming acceptance beforehand is the best way to avoid unexpected bills.
What Extra Benefits Can You Get?
One of the main reasons people choose a Medicare Advantage plan is for the extra perks that go beyond what Original Medicare covers. Think of these as built-in benefits designed to support your overall health and well-being, often at no extra cost. While Original Medicare handles your hospital and medical care, it leaves gaps in key areas like routine dental check-ups and prescription drugs. Medicare Advantage plans step in to fill these gaps, bundling multiple types of coverage into a single, convenient plan. These extras can make a real difference in your daily life and budget, covering everything from fitness programs to your pharmacy co-pays.
Dental, Vision, and Hearing
If you’ve ever been surprised by the cost of a dental crown or a new pair of glasses, you know that Original Medicare doesn’t help with these expenses. This is a major area where Medicare Advantage plans stand out. As Humana notes, many of their plans in Texas “include coverage for dental, vision, and hearing care.” This means your plan can help pay for routine exams, cleanings, fillings, eyeglasses, and hearing aids. Having these essential services included in your plan helps you stay on top of your health without facing large, unexpected bills. It’s a practical benefit that addresses everyday health needs.
Prescription Drugs
Keeping track of a separate Part D plan can be a hassle. That’s why most Medicare Advantage plans simplify things by including prescription drug coverage. According to Medicare.gov, “Most Medicare Advantage Plans also include drug coverage (Part D).” This integrated approach means you have one plan, one card, and one company to deal with for both your medical and prescription needs. It’s a significant advantage that streamlines your healthcare management. When comparing plans, you’ll want to check the plan’s formulary, or list of covered drugs, to ensure your specific medications are included and affordable.
Wellness and Fitness Programs
Many plans go beyond just treating illness and actively support your efforts to stay healthy. They often include valuable wellness perks you won’t find in Original Medicare. You can find plans that offer fitness programs, such as gym memberships or access to online workout classes, to help you stay active. Some plans also provide allowances for over-the-counter items, which can be used for everyday health products like vitamins, pain relievers, and cold medicine. These benefits are designed to make it easier and more affordable for you to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Over-the-Counter and Transportation Allowances
Little costs can add up quickly, and some Medicare Advantage plans offer benefits to help with those daily expenses. Many plans provide a quarterly allowance for you to buy over-the-counter (OTC) items like bandages, toothpaste, and supplements from participating stores. This is like getting a stipend for your medicine cabinet essentials. Additionally, if getting to your doctor is a challenge, some plans include transportation benefits, providing rides to and from your medical appointments. These practical perks can provide both financial relief and peace of mind, ensuring you can get the care and supplies you need.
A Look at Popular Medicare Advantage Plans in Texas
When you start exploring Medicare Advantage plans in Texas, you’ll quickly notice that many familiar insurance companies offer them. The sheer number of options can feel like a lot to sort through, but it also means you have a good chance of finding a plan that fits your specific health needs and budget. The “best” plan for your neighbor might not be the best one for you, as availability and benefits can change significantly from one county to the next.
To give you an idea of what’s out there, let’s look at a few of the major providers in the state. Companies like Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas are popular choices for many Texans. Each one offers a variety of plans with different network types, costs, and extra benefits. Think of this as a starting point for your research. It’s a way to understand the kinds of features and structures you’ll encounter as you compare your options and decide what matters most for your healthcare.
Humana
Many people are drawn to Humana because their plans often bundle in benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. For instance, you’ll find that many Humana Medicare Advantage plans in Texas include coverage for routine dental, vision, and hearing care. This can be a significant advantage, saving you from paying for cleanings, eye exams, and hearing aids entirely out-of-pocket.
Most of their plans also roll in prescription drug coverage (Part D). This creates a convenient, all-in-one package where your hospital, medical, and prescription benefits are managed under a single plan. For those who want to simplify their healthcare coverage and get valuable extra perks, Humana’s offerings are definitely worth a look.
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare (UHC) is another major provider in Texas, offering plans that build on Original Medicare with additional features. A key thing to notice with UHC is the variety of plan types they provide, which gives you flexibility in how you access care. You’ll commonly see options like HMOs and PPOs.
An HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plan typically requires you to use doctors and hospitals within its network, while a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan offers more freedom to see out-of-network providers, though usually at a higher cost. UnitedHealthcare’s Texas plans often include prescription drug coverage, making them a comprehensive choice for your health and medication needs.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
As a long-standing name in Texas health insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas also offers a range of Medicare Advantage plans. Like the other providers, their plans combine your Original Medicare benefits with extra perks and prescription drug coverage, all designed to create a more complete and potentially cost-effective solution.
You’ll find that BCBSTX provides both HMO and PPO plans, each with its own rules about provider networks and costs. This allows you to choose a structure that aligns with your preferences, whether you prioritize the lower costs of an HMO or the flexibility of a PPO. Their goal is to offer plans that can help you manage your healthcare spending while giving you access to valuable additional benefits.
How to Compare Medicare Advantage Plans in Texas
With hundreds of Medicare Advantage plans available across Texas, picking the right one can feel like a monumental task. But it doesn’t have to be. By breaking down the process into a few manageable steps, you can find a plan that truly fits your life. The key is to focus on what matters most to you: your health, your doctors, and your budget. Instead of getting lost in endless brochures and websites, you can take a structured approach. We’ll cover how to assess your personal health needs, verify your doctors are in-network, use helpful online tools, and understand quality ratings. This will help you compare your options with confidence.
Evaluate Your Personal Health Needs
The best plan for your neighbor might not be the best plan for you. Start by making a simple list of your healthcare priorities. What prescription drugs do you take regularly? How often do you see specialists? Do you have any chronic conditions that require specific care? Answering these questions will help you narrow down the options. In Texas, plans can change significantly from one county to the next, so what’s available in Houston might be different from what’s offered in Dallas. A clear picture of your needs is the foundation for making a smart choice.
Check the Plan’s Doctor and Hospital Network
Do you have a primary care doctor you love or specialists you trust? Before you sign up for any plan, you need to confirm that your preferred doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies are included in its network. Most insurance companies have an online tool, and you can also search for providers on the official Medicare website. If you see a doctor who is “out-of-network,” you could end up paying much more for your care, or the service might not be covered at all. Taking a few minutes to check the network now can save you a lot of headaches later.
Use the Official Medicare Plan Finder
You don’t have to sort through this information on your own. The official Medicare Plan Finder tool on Medicare.gov is an excellent resource for comparing plans side-by-side. You can enter your zip code, list your prescription drugs, and select your preferred pharmacy to get a personalized look at the plans in your area. The tool provides detailed information on costs, coverage, and benefits, making it easier to see how different plans stack up based on your specific circumstances. It’s a straightforward way to get organized and compare your options objectively.
Review Plan Quality and Star Ratings
Medicare uses a five-star rating system to measure the quality and performance of Medicare Advantage plans. Think of it as a report card. These Star Ratings are based on factors like member satisfaction, customer service, and how well a plan helps members stay healthy. A plan with four or five stars generally indicates a higher level of quality and service. While a high star rating isn’t the only thing to consider, it’s a helpful indicator that can give you confidence in the plan you choose.
What Do Medicare Advantage Plans Really Cost?
When you see ads for Medicare Advantage plans, the phrase “$0 monthly premium” often takes center stage. While it sounds fantastic, it doesn’t tell the whole story of what you might pay. Think of the premium as just one piece of the puzzle. To get a clear picture of your total expenses, you need to look at all the parts, including deductibles, copayments, and your potential out-of-pocket costs. It’s easy to focus on that one number, but the real cost of a plan is how all these elements work together throughout the year.
Understanding these different costs is the key to avoiding surprises down the road. A plan with a low premium might have higher copays when you visit a specialist, while another might have a higher deductible you need to meet before your coverage kicks in. It’s all about finding the balance that works for your budget and your health needs. Let’s break down each of these costs so you can feel confident comparing your options and choose a plan that truly fits your life, without any unexpected bills. This will help you create a realistic budget for your healthcare and ensure your coverage works for you when you need it most.
Monthly Premiums and Deductibles
Many Medicare Advantage plans in Texas do have a $0 monthly premium. This means you don’t pay an extra monthly fee to the insurance company for the plan itself. However, it’s crucial to remember that you must continue to pay your monthly Medicare Part B premium to the government.
Beyond the premium, you’ll want to check the plan’s deductible. A deductible is the amount you have to pay for your health care or prescriptions before your plan starts to pay its share. Some plans have a $0 deductible, while others might have separate deductibles for medical services and prescription drugs.
Maximum Out-of-Pocket Costs
One of the most important features of a Medicare Advantage plan is the maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limit. This is a built-in safety net that protects your finances. Every plan has a yearly limit on what you’ll have to pay for covered services. Once your spending on deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance reaches this limit, the plan pays 100% of your covered medical costs for the rest of the year. This is a key difference from Original Medicare, which has no annual cap on your out-of-pocket spending unless you also have a separate Medigap policy.
Copayments and Coinsurance
After you’ve met your deductible (if your plan has one), you’ll start sharing costs with your insurance plan. This is where copayments and coinsurance come in. A copayment, or copay, is a fixed amount you pay for a service, like $25 for a primary care visit or $50 to see a specialist. Coinsurance is a percentage of the cost you pay for a service, such as 20% for a hospital stay. These amounts can vary significantly from one plan to another, so it’s important to review the plan’s documents to see what you’ll pay for the services you use most often.
Potential Hidden Costs
The most common financial surprises with Medicare Advantage plans often come from using services outside the plan’s rules. For example, most plans have a specific network of doctors and hospitals. If you see a provider who isn’t in your plan’s network, you could be responsible for the entire bill, especially with an HMO plan.
Similarly, you’ll want to check the plan’s prescription drug formulary, which is the list of medications it covers. If a drug you take isn’t on the list, or if it’s in a high-cost tier, your out-of-pocket expenses could be much higher than you expect.
When Can You Enroll in a Texas Medicare Advantage Plan?
Timing is everything when it comes to enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan. You can’t sign up or make changes just any time you want. Medicare has specific windows, called enrollment periods, that open up throughout the year. Understanding these key dates is the first step to making sure you get the coverage you need without any gaps or penalties. Whether you’re new to Medicare or looking to change your current plan, knowing your enrollment period is essential.
Your Initial Enrollment Period
Your first opportunity to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan is during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). For most people, this is a seven-month window that revolves around your 65th birthday. The Texas Department of Insurance explains that this period starts three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after. For example, if your birthday is in June, your IEP runs from March 1 to September 30. This is your prime time to enroll in Part A, Part B, and a Medicare Advantage plan. Missing this window could lead to delays in coverage and potential late enrollment penalties, so it’s a good idea to mark these dates on your calendar.
The Annual Open Enrollment Period
If you miss your initial window or decide you want to change your coverage later, your next big opportunity is the Annual Open Enrollment Period. This happens every year from October 15 to December 7. During this time, you can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or drop your Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare. It’s the perfect time to review your current plan’s costs, network, and benefits to see if it still meets your needs for the upcoming year. Any changes you make will take effect on January 1.
Special Enrollment Periods
Life doesn’t always stick to a schedule, and neither does Medicare enrollment. Certain life events can qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), which allows you to make changes to your coverage outside of the usual timeframes. For example, you might get an SEP if you move to a new address that isn’t in your plan’s service area, lose other health coverage (like from an employer), or if your plan stops participating in Medicare. These periods provide a crucial safety net, giving you a chance to find new coverage when you need it most. Medicare.gov outlines the various situations that can trigger an SEP, ensuring you aren’t left without a plan due to circumstances beyond your control.
Common Myths About Medicare Advantage Plans
When you turn on your TV, it’s hard to miss the commercials for Medicare Advantage plans. They promise all sorts of attractive benefits, from low premiums to gym memberships. With so much advertising, it’s easy for myths and misunderstandings to spread. Getting clear on the facts is the best way to decide if one of these plans is the right fit for you. Let’s walk through some of the most common myths and separate fact from fiction.
Myth 1: They’re Always Cheaper
It’s true that many Medicare Advantage plans catch your eye with $0 or low monthly premiums. This can make them seem like the most affordable option right away. However, the monthly premium is only one piece of the cost puzzle. The total amount you’ll pay depends heavily on how much you use your health care services throughout the year. A plan with a low premium might have higher copayments, a larger deductible, or a steeper out-of-pocket maximum. If you need frequent medical care, those out-of-pocket costs can add up quickly, potentially making a low-premium plan more expensive in the long run than other options.
Myth 2: You Can See Any Doctor You Want
This is one of the most critical misunderstandings about Medicare Advantage plans. Unlike Original Medicare, which allows you to see any doctor in the U.S. that accepts Medicare, most Advantage plans operate with a provider network. These are typically HMO or PPO plans, meaning you must use doctors, specialists, and hospitals that are contracted with your specific plan. Going outside the network can lead to much higher costs or no coverage at all, except in emergencies. Before you enroll in any plan, it is essential to check that your trusted doctors and preferred hospitals are included in its network. Your choice of providers will be limited by the plan you select.
Myth 3: Your Benefits Will Never Change
Finding a plan you like can feel like a huge relief, but it’s important to know that your plan’s details aren’t set in stone. Insurance companies can adjust their Medicare Advantage plans every single year. This means your monthly premium, deductible, copayments, and even the list of covered prescription drugs can change. The plan’s provider network can also shift, meaning a doctor who is in-network this year might be out-of-network next year. Every fall, you’ll receive an “Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC) from your plan. It’s crucial to review this document carefully to make sure the plan will still meet your health and budget needs for the upcoming year.
The Pros and Cons of Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans can be a great fit for many people, but like any health insurance option, they come with their own set of trade-offs. Understanding both sides of the coin is the best way to figure out if this path is right for your specific health and financial needs. It’s not about finding a “perfect” plan, but about finding the plan that’s the best match for you. Let’s break down what people often appreciate about these plans and what you should be mindful of before enrolling.
The Upsides: What People Like
One of the biggest draws is the all-in-one convenience. Most Medicare Advantage plans bundle your hospital (Part A), medical (Part B), and often prescription drug (Part D) coverage into a single plan. Many also include extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like routine dental, vision, and hearing care. From a cost perspective, these plans can be attractive. They often feature low or even $0 monthly premiums and predictable copays for doctor visits and services, which can make budgeting for healthcare feel more manageable. Plus, many plans offer wide networks of trusted doctors and hospitals, making it easy to find care.
The Downsides: What to Watch For
On the other hand, there are important limitations to consider. Most Medicare Advantage plans require you to use a specific network of doctors and hospitals. If you see a provider outside of that network, your costs could be much higher, or the service might not be covered at all. This is a key difference from Original Medicare, which allows you to see any doctor who accepts Medicare. Plans can also vary widely in their costs, rules, and drug coverage, so what works for your friend might not be the best fit for you. It’s also common for these plans to require prior authorization before they will cover certain medical services, which can sometimes cause delays in getting care.
Where to Find Help Choosing Your Plan
You don’t have to figure this all out on your own. Sorting through dozens of plans can feel overwhelming, but there are free resources and experts available to help you find a plan that fits your life. Whether you prefer doing your own research online or talking to a real person, here are some excellent places to turn for support.
Official Medicare Resources
A great place to start is with the official tools provided by Medicare itself. The government’s Medicare Plan Finder is a powerful online resource that lets you see and compare all the plans available in your area. Just enter your ZIP code, and you can view details on costs, coverage, and quality ratings for each option. You can even input your prescription drugs to see how different plans would cover them. This tool is especially helpful for getting a complete, unbiased look at what’s out there, giving you a solid foundation for your decision without any sales pressure. It’s an essential first step for anyone doing their own research.
Texas-Specific Programs
Because you live in Texas, you also have access to state-level assistance. The Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) department offers one-on-one help for residents trying to understand their Medicare choices. You can call their helpline at 800-252-9240 to speak with a representative who is trained to assist with local health programs. They can offer guidance based on your specific situation and answer questions you might have about how different plans work within the state. This is a direct line to local support, which can be incredibly valuable when you need clarification on state-specific rules or programs that might supplement your Medicare coverage.
Working With an Independent Agent
If you’d like more personalized support, consider talking with an independent Medicare agent. Unlike agents who work for a single insurance company, an independent agent can show you plans from multiple carriers. This gives you a much broader perspective on your options. They take the time to get to know your health needs, budget, and which doctors you want to keep seeing. From there, they can help you compare the fine print of different plans and find one that truly works for you. Think of them as an experienced guide who can help you make sense of all the details and feel confident in your choice.
Related Articles
- Texas Medigap Plans Under 65: Your 2024 Guide
- Best Medicare Supplement Plans in Texas (2025)
- Medigap Plans in Texas: What You Need to Know
- A Guide to Comparing Medigap Plans in Texas
- The Best Medigap Plans in Texas for 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
If a plan has a $0 premium, does that mean it’s completely free? Not exactly. While many plans don’t charge an extra monthly fee, that “$0 premium” doesn’t cover all your costs. You still have to pay your monthly Part B premium to the government. You’ll also be responsible for other out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, copayments for doctor visits, and coinsurance for services. The key is to look at the total picture, including the plan’s maximum out-of-pocket limit, to understand what your healthcare might cost over the year.
Will I be able to keep my current doctor if I switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan? This is one of the most important questions to ask before enrolling. Most Medicare Advantage plans have a network of specific doctors and hospitals. If your doctor is not in that network, you may have to pay much more to see them, or the plan might not cover the visit at all. Before you sign up, you should always use the plan’s provider directory to confirm that your trusted doctors, specialists, and local hospitals are included.
What’s the biggest difference between an HMO and a PPO plan? The main difference comes down to flexibility and cost. With an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), you generally must use doctors and hospitals within the plan’s network for your care to be covered. You’ll also typically need a referral from your primary care physician to see a specialist. A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) offers more freedom. You can see providers both in and out of the network, but you’ll pay less if you stay in-network. You also usually don’t need a referral to see a specialist.
Do I still need my red, white, and blue Medicare card if I have an Advantage Plan? Yes, you should definitely hold onto your Original Medicare card. Even though you will use your Medicare Advantage plan’s card for all your medical and hospital services, you’ll still need your Medicare card for proof of your Medicare coverage. You might be asked for it in certain situations, so it’s best to keep it in a safe place at home.
What happens if I choose a plan and then realize I don’t like it? You aren’t stuck with a plan forever if it’s not a good fit. Every year, Medicare has an Annual Open Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7. During this time, you have the opportunity to review your coverage and make changes. You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare for the following year. This annual window gives you the chance to find a better option if your health needs or the plan’s benefits change.