What Are the Medicare Advantage Plans in Mississippi?
Medicare, a federally administered program, is a primary source of health coverage for Mississippi residents approaching the age of 65 and older. For residents of Mississippi approaching the age of 65 and for certain disabled individuals, there are options when it comes to purchasing a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan in Mississippi.
Medicare Advantage plans are also called Medicare Part C. There is no difference, just different names. The MA/Part C plans are a way for Mississippi residents to receive Medicare Part A hospital insurance coverage and/or Medicare Part B medical/doctor’s office insurance. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies, are approved by Medicare and replace coverage by Medicare Parts A and B.
Many people select a Medicare Advantage plan because of the additional benefits that may be included. For example, Mississippi residents needing hearing, vision, dental and other routine medical services should consider a Medicare Advantage plan as these types of benefits are typically included.
How Do I Know If I’m Eligible for a Medicare Advantage Plan in Mississippi?
Residents of Mississippi wondering about eligibility only need to know if they’re eligible for Medicare enrollment and live in an area where MA plans are sold, they are eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan. A MA plan specific to Mississippi may possibly save you money because many Medicare Advantage plans have $0 monthly premiums. Copayments, coinsurance and deductibles vary depending on the plan in which you enroll.
Mississippi residents cannot be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan at the same time. A Medicare Supplement plan assists with covering some of the gaps in coverage including copayment, coinsurance and deductibles that aren’t covered by Medicare Parts A and B.
Are Prescription Drugs Covered by Medicare Advantage Plans in Mississippi?
Any Mississippi resident living within the 228, 601, 662 and 769 area codes who is 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 Mississippi
Finding the right Medicare Advantage plan in Mississippi is as unique as the person the plan is there to support. Among Mississippi residents who are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, 62% choose an HMO/HMOPOS, while 31% 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 Mississippi for your needs.
You can become more informed about Medicare Advantage plans available in Mississippi by working with 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 Mississippi, understand costs and answer questions throughout the process. SelectQuote individually shops more than 20 national insurance companies to help you compare Medicare Advantage plans in Mississippi.
Mississippi Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment Period
Enrollment in a Medicare Advantage plan is open during specified enrollment periods. Medicare enrollment in Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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 a Mississippi resident with a July birthday, your IEP runs from April through October.
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, Mississippi 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, Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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 third-party company specializing in helping consumers understand the ins and outs of Medicare, SelectQuote is here to help you find the right Mississippi Medicare Advantage plan to meet your 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.
