Medicare Advantage Plans: The Pros and Cons

What are the advantages of Elevate Medicare Advantage? Well, there are benefits you may find quite appealing. While original Medicare plans provide Part A (inpatient hospital) and Part B (outpatient medical) coverage, Medicare Advantage plans (sometimes referred to as Part C plans) offer all the benefits of Medicare, as well as extra coverage like dental, vision, hearing and more. Most advantage plans also cover prescription drugs (Part D).

The Pros: More Benefits

Medicare Advantage plans provide more benefits than original Medicare, although the exact benefits vary between plans. If you had original Medicare and wanted all the benefits of Medicare Advantage, you’d have to enroll in a Medicare supplemental plan and stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan.

Lower Cost

Many Medicare Advantage premiums are as low as $0. In addition, cost sharing may be lower than original Medicare plans. And unlike original Medicare, you have a cap on out-of-pocket expenses.

Coordination of Care

Medicare Advantage plans often contract with certain medical facilities and health care providers who coordinate your care. This coordination of care can be an important asset to your health care.

The Cons: A Smaller Provider Network

Unlike original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans are limited to a smaller provider network. If you see a provider outside your network, your plan may not cover the same level of benefits.

Doctor Referrals, Prior Authorizations and Service Areas

Medicare Advantage plans may require a doctor’s referral to see specialists and prior authorizations for certain procedures, hospital stays, medical equipment and home health care. In addition, most Medicare Advantage plans have regional provider networks, so you may have to reside in that service area for at least six months out of the year to receive benefits. Elevate

Medicare Advantage by Denver Health Medical Plan

Elevate Medicare Advantage has added more benefits and coverage and offers an expanded provider network that includes Denver Health,

Uchealth, National Jewish, Stride Community Health Centers, West Pines Behavioral Health and Mental Health Center of Denver.

It’s time to make your Medicare plan selection for 2022 (Open Enrollment is October 15 through December 7, 2021). For answers to your questions and help through the enrollment process, call 303-602-4912

TTY 711 or visit Denverhealthmedicalplan.org.