How Do Medicare Advantage Plans in Louisiana Work?
It’s important to know where you stand regarding Medicare healthcare coverage at age 65. The federally administered program is a primary source of healthcare coverage for Louisiana residents 65 years of age and older or for some younger individuals with certain disabilities. One option you may want to consider is a Medicare Advantage plan in Louisiana.
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, offer Louisiana residents a way to receive hospital insurance coverage from Medicare Part A and medical/doctor’s office insurance coverage from Medicare Part B. Residents of Louisiana can obtain Medicare Advantage plans offered by private insurance companies. Advantage plans are approved by Medicare, offer at least the same level of coverage as Medicare Parts A and B and replace coverage in Medicare Parts A and B.
Many people select a Medicare Advantage plan because of the additional benefits that are included. Louisiana residents needing coverage for hearing, care, dental and other routine medical services should consider a Medicare Advantage plan in Louisiana as these types of benefits are typically included.
Who Is Eligible for a Medicare Advantage Plan in Louisiana?
If you’re eligible for Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B and live in an area where Medicare Advantage plans are sold, you’re eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan/Part C. A Louisiana Medicare Advantage plan may possibly save you money as many Medicare Advantage plans have $0 monthly premiums. Copayments, coinsurance and deductibles vary depending on the Medicare Advantage plan in which you enroll.
Louisiana residents cannot be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan at the same time. A Medicare Supplement plan can help cover some of the gaps in coverage that include copayments, coinsurance and deductibles that aren’t covered by Medicare Parts A and B.
Are My Prescription Drugs Covered in Medicare Advantage Plans in Louisiana?
Any resident located within the 64 parishes of Louisiana 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. A Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage is called a MAPD and provides coverage for prescription drugs.
Most Popular Medicare Advantage Plans in Louisiana
Finding the right Medicare Advantage plan in Louisiana is as unique as the person the plan is there to support. Among Louisiana residents enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, 82% are enrolled in an HMO/HMOPOS plan, while 17% are enrolled in a Local PPO, as reported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services. Knowing how much Medicare plan coverage you need will help you determine the right Medicare Advantage plan for your needs.
You can become more informed about Medicare Advantage plans available in Louisiana 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 accommodates your needs and budget.
Louisiana Medicare Advantage Enrollment Period
Enrollment in a Medicare Advantage plan occurs during specified enrollment periods. Medicare enrollment in Louisiana 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 Louisianan with a January birthday, your IEP runs from October through April.
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, Louisiana 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, Louisiana 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 Louisiana Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?
SelectQuote is equipped to help you 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 specializing in helping consumers understand their Medicare options, a SelectQuote licensed sales agent is ready to help you find the right Medicare Advantage plan for 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.
