How Do Medicare Advantage Plans in Colorado Work?
Calling all inhabitants of the Centennial State who are close to age 65 or 65+. It’s time to start thinking about your Medicare Insurance healthcare coverage. Medicare, the federally administered program, is the main source of health insurance coverage for Colorado residents 65 years of age and older. For certain disabled people, Medicare enrollment may come prior to the age of 65. Either way, it’s important to know what to expect from a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan and learn about options for healthcare coverage.
When searching for information on Medicare Advantage plans, know these plans can also be called Medicare Part C. Medicare Advantage/Part C offers Colorado residents a way to receive Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and/or Medicare Part B (medical/doctor’s office insurance). Companies offering private insurance sell Medicare Advantage plans in Colorado. These Insurance plans are approved by Medicare, offer at least the same level of coverage as Medicare Parts A and B and replace coverage by Medicare Parts A and B.
Many people in Colorado select a Medicare Advantage plan because of the additional benefits included. Coloradans wanting coverage for routine medical services including vision, dental and hearing should consider a Medicare Advantage Plan in Colorado because these benefits are often included.
Medicare Advantage Plan Eligibility in Colorado
Knowing if you’re eligible for a Part C/MA plan is the same as being eligible for Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. If you’re eligible for Parts A and B, you’re also good for Part C assuming you reside in a county/zip code where MA plans are sold. A Medicare Advantage plan specific to Colorado residents could possibly save you money as many of the Medicare Advantage plans have $0 monthly premiums. Copayments, coinsurance and deductibles vary depending on which Medicare Advantage plan you enroll.
Colorado residents cannot be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan at the same time. A Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap) may help cover some of the gaps in coverage such as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles that aren’t covered by Medicare Parts A and B.
How Do I Know If My Prescription is Covered by a Medicare Advantage Plan in Colorado?
Any resident of Colorado looking for prescription drug coverage should consider a Medicare Part C plan since most Medicare Advantage plans also have a Medicare Prescription Drug plan. A Medicare Advantage Plan with prescription drug coverage is called a MAPD and provides coverage for prescription drug costs.
Which Medicare Advantage Plans in Colorado are the Most Popular?
Finding the right Medicare Advantage plan in Colorado is as unique as the person the plan is there to support. Among Colorado residents who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, 72% choose an HMO/HMOPOS with 28% in a Local PPO, as reported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS.gov). Knowing how much Medicare plan coverage you need will help you determine the right Medicare Advantage Plan in Colorado for your needs.
You can become more informed about Medicare Advantage plans available in Colorado by contacting a SelectQuote licensed sales agent who can guide you through the Medicare maze. Acting as your advocate, our licensed sales agents help you weigh the Medicare Advantage plan options in your area, understand costs and answer questions throughout the process. SelectQuote individually shops more than 20 national insurance companies to help find a plan that’s right for you.
When is the Colorado Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment Period?
Enrollment in a Medicare Advantage plan occurs during specified enrollment periods. Medicare enrollment in Colorado opens for residents prior to turning age 65 or earlier in special disability cases. The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) runs for seven months.
IEP begins three months before turning age 65, including the birthday month, and ends 3 months after the birthday month. It is also the time allotted for enrollment in Medicare Parts A, B, C and D.For example, if you’re a Coloradan with a May birthday, your IEP runs from February through August.
You may also enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which occurs annually each fall. Medicare’s AEP runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. The key dates for AEP are as follows:
Oct. 15 – Annual Enrollment Period Begins
Dec. 7 – Annual Enrollment Period Ends
Jan. 1 – First Date Coverage can start
During the Annual Enrollment every year, Colorado residents can:
- Switch from Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare) to a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan
- Change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another
- Switch from one Prescription Drug (Part D) plan to another
- Add a Prescription Drug (Part D) plan if you didn’t enroll when first eligible for Medicare
In addition to AEP, Colorado residents who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can make a one-time plan change during the Open Enrollment (OEP), which occurs each year from January 1 through March 31. There are also Medicare Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) which are times where you may be able to enroll in Medicare or make changes to your existing Medicare Advantage coverage because of certain events and life changes, such as moving or losing employer coverage.
Is a Colorado Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?
When you’re ready to enroll, SelectQuote can help ensure you are getting all the available benefits you deserve, plus help you stay up to date with the annual updates to Medicare plans insurance companies make. As an independent and trusted third-party company, SelectQuote is here to help Colorado residents find the right Medicare Advantage Plan to meet your needs.
To ensure you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to receive, call or complete your online form today. Let SelectQuote’s personal licensed sales agents simplify the Medicare maze by comparing rates and independently shopping insurance companies to help you find an affordable option that meets your unique needs.
