Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans in Idaho
The exploration skills employed by Lewis and Clark could be put to the test when navigating the maze of Medicare. The federally administered program is a primary source of healthcare coverage for Idaho residents 65 years of age and older and for certain younger disabled persons. While most leave the exploration of Medicare to near their 65th year on Earth, it’s important to remain timely and understand the healthcare coverage options available with an Idaho Medicare Advantage plan.
Just as places become known by different names, Medicare Advantage plans are also known as Medicare Part C. Both names are accurate and offer Idaho residents a way to receive hospital insurance coverage of Medicare Part A along with the medical and doctor’s office coverage of Medicare Part B. Idaho residents can buy Medicare Advantage plans through private insurance companies. These plans are approved by Medicare, offer at least the same level of coverage as Medicare Parts A and B and replace coverage by Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
Most people select a Medicare Advantage plan because of the additional benefits that are included in these types of plans. Idaho residents needing coverage for hearing, vision, dental as well as other routine medical services should consider a Medicare Advantage plan in Idaho as these types of benefits are typically included.
Who is Eligible for a Medicare Advantage Plan in Idaho?
Idahoans who are eligible for Medicare Parts A and B are also eligible for enrollment in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, assuming you live in an area where Medicare Advantage plans are sold. MA plans provide support for medical needs that increase with age and may save money because many Medicare Advantage plans have $0 monthly premiums. Copayments, coinsurance and deductibles vary depending on the Medicare Advantage plan in which you enroll.
Idaho residents cannot be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan at the same time. A Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap) helps cover some of the gaps in coverage like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles that aren’t covered by Medicare Parts A and B.
Are Prescription Drugs Included in Idaho Medicare Advantage Plans?
Any resident of the 44 counties in Idaho who is looking for prescription drug coverage should consider a Medicare Part C plan because most Medicare Advantage plans also include a Medicare Prescription Drug plan. The prescription drug coverage provided by Medicare Part D is called a MAPD. When considering prescription drug coverage in Idaho, consider a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan.
Most Popular Medicare Advantage Plans in Idaho
Finding the right Medicare Advantage plan in Idaho is as unique as the resident the plan is there to support. Among Idaho residents who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, 62% choose an HMO/HMOPOS plan, with 38% enrolling in a Local PPO plan, 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 Idaho for your needs.
You can become more informed about Medicare Advantage plans available in Idaho 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 determine a plan that works with your needs and budget.
When is the Idaho Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment Period?
Enrollment in a Medicare Advantage plan occurs during specified enrollment periods. Medicare enrollment in Idaho 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. You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan in Idaho three months before eligibility at age 65. It is also the time allotted for enrollment in Medicare Parts A, B, C and D. For example, if you’re an Idaho resident with a December birthday, your IEP runs from September through March.
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, Idaho 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, Idaho residents who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can make a one-time plan change during the Open Enrollment (OEP) period, which occurs each year from January 1 through March 31. There are also Medicare Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) 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 an Idaho Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?
SelectQuote is an independent third-party company specializing in helping consumers understand their Medicare options who can help you ensure you’re getting all the available benefits you deserve. Our licensed sales agents can also make sure you’re staying up to date with the annual updates to Medicare plans made by insurance companies. SelectQuote is here to help Idaho residents find the right Medicare Advantage Plan for their 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.
