What Are the Medicare Advantage Plans Available in Kentucky?
Some say Fort Knox in Kentucky, home to the largest stores of gold in the U.S., is one of the nation’s most closely guarded places. In a similar vein, some residents of Kentucky think that figuring out the ins and outs of the Medicare maze is almost as secretive. Understanding the federally administered program, the primary source of healthcare coverage for Kentucky residents 65 years of age and older, isn’t quite as bad as you might think once you understand the healthcare coverage options available from a Medicare Advantage plan in Kentucky.
Being known as both Part C and Medicare Advantage can be confusing but either name captures how Kentucky residents can receive hospital insurance through Medicare Part A and medical/doctor’s office insurance through Medicare Part B. Medicare Advantage programs are available from private insurance companies, 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 typically included. Kentucky residents needing coverage for hearing aids, vision, dental as well as other routine medical services should consider a Medicare Advantage plan as these types of benefits are typically included.
How Do I Determine My Eligibility for a Medicare Advantage Plan in Kentucky?
One aspect that is easy to figure out is eligibility for a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. Anyone who is eligible for Medicare Parts A and B are also eligible for enrollment in a Medicare Advantage plan. This assumes you reside in an area where Medicare Advantage plans are sold. Obtaining such an insurance plan is helpful because medical needs often increase with age. The purchase of a Medicare Advantage plan specific to Kentucky may help you save money as many of the Medicare Advantage plans have $0 monthly premiums. Copayments, coinsurance and deductibles vary depending on the plan in which you enroll.
Kentucky residents cannot be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan at the same time. A Medicare Supplement plan assists in covering 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 Under Medicare Advantage Plans in Kentucky?
Anyone in the 270/364, 502, 859 and 606 area codes who is looking for prescription drug coverage should consider a Medicare Part C plan because most Medicare Advantage plans include a Medicare Prescription Drug plan. A Medicare Advantage plan including prescription drug coverage is called a MAPD and can help cover the cost of prescriptions.
Most Popular Medicare Advantage Plans in Kentucky
Finding the right Medicare Advantage plan in Kentucky is as unique as the person the plan is there to support. Among residents of Kentucky who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, 51% enroll in a Local PPO, 44% enroll in an HMO/HMOPOS plan and 5% enroll in a Regional 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 Kentucky for your needs.
You can become more informed about Medicare Advantage plans available in Kentucky 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 works within your needs and budget.
Kentucky Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment Period
Enrollment in a Medicare Advantage plan occurs during specified enrollment periods. Medicare enrollment in Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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, Kentucky 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, Kentucky 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 a Kentucky Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?
Looking for the right Medicare Advantage plan to meet your needs? A licensed sales agent at SelectQuote can help ensure you are 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 is here to help Kentucky residents find the right Advantage plan to meet their needs and budget.
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.
