Navigate Medicare Advantage with Confidence.

Explore "all-in-one" Part C plans that bundle your hospital, medical, and prescription drug coverage—often with built-in extras like dental, vision, and hearing. As your independent broker, we help you find the perfect fit.

An "All-in-One" Alternative to Original Medicare

Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is a type of health plan offered by private, Medicare-approved insurance companies. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you still have Medicare, but you receive your Part A (Hospital) and Part B (Medical) benefits through the private carrier instead of directly from the federal government.

For many Floridians, Medicare Advantage is an attractive option because it bundles your healthcare services into a single plan, often including Part D prescription drug coverage and extra lifestyle benefits that Original Medicare leaves behind.

The Three Rules of Part C

Before choosing an Advantage plan, it is important to understand how they operate differently from Original Medicare:

You Must Keep Part B

To enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. You will continue paying your standard Part B monthly premium to the government, even if your Advantage plan has a $0 monthly premium.

Network Restrictions

Unlike Original Medicare, most Advantage plans utilize provider networks (like HMOs or PPOs). You will generally experience the lowest out-of-pocket costs when you use doctors, hospitals, and specialists within the plan's specific network.

Built-In Financial Protection

Original Medicare has no cap on your out-of-pocket spending. Medicare Advantage plans are required by law to have a Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP) limit. Once you hit this limit, the plan pays 100% of your covered healthcare costs for the rest of the year.

Coverage Beyond the Basics

One of the main reasons people choose Medicare Advantage is for the extra benefits. While Original Medicare focuses strictly on hospital and medical care, many Advantage plans include benefits designed to support your total well-being, such as:

  • Prescription Drug Coverage: Most plans bundle Part D coverage seamlessly into the policy.

  • Dental, Vision, & Hearing: Allowances for routine cleanings, eye exams, glasses, and even hearing aids. (Note: If a plan's built-in coverage isn't robust enough for your needs, we can always pair it with one of our specialized, standalone Dental, Vision, & Hearing policies!)

  • Fitness Memberships: Programs like SilverSneakers or Renew Active to keep you moving.

  • Over-the-Counter (OTC) Allowances: Quarterly credits to spend on pharmacy essentials like vitamins, pain relievers, and first-aid supplies.

(Note: Not all plans offer all of these benefits, and availability varies heavily by your specific zip code.)

Finding the Right Plan Structure

There are a few different types of Medicare Advantage plans. During our consultation, we will look at your favorite doctors to determine which structure works best for you:

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): You generally must get your care and services from doctors or hospitals in the plan's network (except for emergencies). You may also need a referral from your primary care doctor to see a specialist. These plans often feature the lowest premiums.

PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): You have the flexibility to see any doctor or specialist, in or out of network, without a referral. However, you will usually pay less if you stay in-network.

Special Needs Plans (SNPs): Specialized plans tailored for individuals with specific severe or disabling chronic conditions (C-SNP) or those who are dual-eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (D-SNP).

Important Questions

Are Medicare Advantage plans actually free?

While many Medicare Advantage plans advertise a "$0 monthly premium," they are not completely free. You must still pay your monthly Medicare Part B premium to the government. Additionally, you will be responsible for copays and coinsurance as you use medical services throughout the year, up to your plan's maximum out-of-pocket limit.

Will my doctors accept a Medicare Advantage plan?

This is the most important question to ask! Advantage plans operate on specific networks. Before we ever recommend a plan, we will securely collect a list of your preferred doctors and specialists to ensure they are in-network for the plan you choose.

Can I drop my Advantage plan if I don't like it?

You cannot change or drop your plan at any time. You are generally locked in for the calendar year unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). However, you have opportunities to change your coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 - Dec 7) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1 - March 31).

Can I have a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) at the same time?

No. It is illegal for anyone to sell you a Medigap policy if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. You must choose one path or the other. We help you compare both options side-by-side to see which makes the most financial sense for your lifestyle.

Ready to compare the plans in your area?

Let us do the heavy lifting. We will check your doctors, review your prescriptions, and find the Medicare Advantage plan that gives you the most value.

Akroamatik

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1. Deep knowledge shared orally.

2. Things designed to be heard.

Resources

Akroamatik Financial is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.