How Do Medicare Advantage Plans in Iowa Work?
If you’re a Hawkeye resident coming up on age 65, you’ve probably begun thinking about signing up for Medicare. Unfortunately, Medicare can be complicated, and it can be difficult to know what coverage you’ll need now and down the road. As a result, it’s good for you to learn more about the Iowa Medicare Advantage plan as an option for your healthcare coverage.
If a spouse, partner or friend has already gone through the process of enrolling in Medicare, you may already know that Medicare Part C and Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are the same thing. Part C/Medicare Advantage plans offer Iowa residents a way to receive hospital coverage from Medicare Part A and insurance for doctor’s office and medical visits covered by Medicare Part B. Private insurance companies offer the widely available MA programs in Iowa. These plans are Medicare approved, offer at least the same level of coverage as Medicare Parts A and B and replace Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B coverage.
Many people select a Medicare Advantage plan because of the additional benefits that are included in these types of plans. Iowa residents needing coverage for hearing, vision, dental and other routine medical service should consider a Medicare Advantage plan in Iowa as these types of benefits are typically included.
How Do I Know If I’m Eligible for Medicare Advantage Plan in Iowa?
The good news is if you’re eligible for Medicare Parts A and B, you’re also eligible for a Part C Medicare Advantage plan in Iowa assuming you reside in an area where Medicare Advantage plans are sold. Now is the time to start looking at Medicare Advantage plans to see if you can potentially save money as many Medicare Advantage plans have $0 monthly premiums. Copayments, coinsurance and deductibles vary depending upon the Medicare Advantage plan in which you enroll.
Iowa 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 such as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles that aren’t covered by Medicare Parts A and B.
Are Prescription Drugs Covered by Medicare Advantage Plans in Iowa?
Iowa residents living within the 319, 515, 563, 641 and 712 area codes who need prescription drug coverage should consider a Medicare Part C plan as most Medicare Advantage plans also include a Medicare Prescription Drug plan. A Medicare Advantage Plan with prescription drug coverage is called a MAPD and provides coverage for prescription drug costs. Enrolling in a MAPD is one way to protect yourself from high prescription costs. If considering prescription drug coverage in Iowa, look at a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan.
Most Popular Medicare Advantage Plans in Iowa
Finding the right Medicare Advantage plan in Iowa is as unique as every other aspect of you. Among Iowa residents who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, 52% choose a Local PPO and 48% choose an HMO/HMOPOS plan, as reported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS.gov). How much Medicare plan coverage you need will help determine the right Medicare Advantage Plan in Iowa for your needs.
You can become more informed about the Medicare Advantage plans available in Iowa 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 you find the right plan for your needs.
Iowa Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment Period
Enrollment in a Medicare Advantage plan occurs during specified enrollment periods. Medicare enrollment in Iowa opens for residents prior to turning age 65 or earlier in special disability cases. Medicare enrollment in California 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 an Iowa resident who celebrates a March birthday, your IEP runs from December to June.
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, Iowa 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, Iowa 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 Iowa Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?
SelectQuote can help you make sure you’re getting all the available benefits you deserve while staying up to date with the annual updates to Medicare plans made by insurance companies. As a trusted independent third-party company, SelectQuote can help Iowa residents find the right Medicare Advantage plan to meet individual 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.
