What Are Maryland’s Medicare Advantage Plans?
Medicare, a federally administered program, is a primary source of healthcare coverage for Maryland residents age 65 years and older. In addition, Medicare also offers insurance coverage for some younger consumers who are disabled. It’s important to know that Medicare enrollment includes an option for your healthcare coverage with a Medicare Advantage plan in Maryland.
Medicare Advantage plans are also sometimes referred to as Medicare Part C. Medicare Advantage/Medicare Part C plans help residents of Maryland receive coverage from Medicare Part A, hospital insurance, and/or Medicare Part B, medical/doctor’s office insurance. Maryland’s Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies, offer at least the same coverage as Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, are approved by Medicare and takes the place of coverage by Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
Many people select a Medicare Advantage plan because of the additional benefits included. Maryland residents needing coverage for hearing, vision, dental and other routine medical services should consider a Medicare Advantage plan in Maryland as these types of benefits are typically included.
How Do I Know If I’m Eligible for a Medicare Advantage Plan in Maryland?
Figuring out eligibility for Medicare Advantage in Maryland is simple. First determine if Medicare Advantage plans are sold in your county or zip code. If so and you’re eligible for Medicare Parts A and B, you’re also eligible for Medicare Part C/Medicare Advantage insurance. A Medicare Advantage plan specific to Maryland may possibly help policyholders 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.
Maryland residents cannot be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan at the same time. A Medicare Supplement Insurance plan helps to cover some of the gaps in coverage such as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles that aren’t covered by Medicare Parts A and B.
Will Prescription Drugs Be Covered by Medicare Advantage Plans in Maryland?
Any resident of the 24 counties and county equivalents in Maryland looking for 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 can help cover some of the costs associated with prescription medications.
Most Popular Medicare Advantage Plans in Maryland
Finding the right Medicare Advantage plan in Maryland is as unique as the person the plan is there to support. Among Maryland residents enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, 64% choose an HMO/HMOPOS while 36% are enrolled 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 Maryland for your needs.
You can become more informed about Medicare Advantage plans available in Maryland 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 accommodate your budget and needs.
When is the Maryland Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment Period?
Enrollment in a Medicare Advantage plan occurs during specified enrollment periods. Medicare enrollment in Maryland 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 Maryland resident 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, Maryland 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, Maryland 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 Maryland Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?
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 Maryland residents find the right Medicare Advantage plan for their needs. Talk with a SelectQuote licensed sales agent today.
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.
