Living with Diabetes

Medicare Advantage

• Some beneficiaries choose Medicare Advantage plans instead of Medicare Part A and/or B (the “Original Medicare Plan”).
• Medicare Advantage plans are private health insurance plans that are a part of the Medicare program. Beneficiaries receive their health care services through the private plan, and Medicare pays the plan a set amount of money each month for each beneficiary’s care, regardless of whether or not the person actually uses any health care services.
• Medicare Advantage plans can charge different out of pocket costs and have different rules for how beneficiaries access services, such as if you must go to only doctors, facilities or suppliers that belong to the plan for non-emergency care.
• Because Medicare Advantage plans are private insurance plans, they come in all shapes and sizes. Out of pocket costs vary depending on the plan. Most plans offer prescription drug coverage and many offer extra benefits that are not covered under Parts A & B.
• People who have Medicare Part A & B are eligible for Medicare Advantage if they live in a region where Medicare Advantage is available. To find out if you can sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).