How Do Medicare Advantage Plans in Ohio Work?
Are you a resident of the Buckeye State that’s contemplating 65 candles on the birthday cake this year? While it might not be quite as glamorous as induction into Cleveland’s “Rock and Roll” Hall of fame, it is an important and noteworthy rite of passage. In order to do things right, it can be beneficial to better understand Medicare Insurance and the healthcare coverage you’ll want to have today and down the road. SelectQuote can help with information about Medicare Advantage plans in Ohio that are an option for you.
If friends and family have already gone through the Medicare enrollment process, you might already know that Medicare Part C and Medicare Advantage (MA) plan are the same thing. Part C/Medicare Advantage plans offer Ohio residents a way to receive hospital coverage from Medicare Part A and insurance for doctor’s office visits covered by Medicare Part B. Private insurance companies offer the widely available MA plans in Ohio. Medicare Advantage 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 may be included with these types of plans. Ohio residents needing coverage for hearing, vision, dental and other routine medical services may want to consider a Medicare Advantage plan in Ohio as these types of benefits may be included.
Am I Eligible for Medicare Advantage Enrollment in Ohio?
The good news is that eligibility is easy to determine. If you’re eligible for Medicare Parts A and B, you’re also eligible for a Part C Medicare Advantage) plan in Ohio 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.
Ohio 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 cover some of the gaps in coverage such as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles that aren’t covered by Medicare Parts A and B.
Will a Medicare Advantage Plan Cover Prescription Drugs in Ohio?
Ohio residents living within any of the 12 active area codes who are looking for prescription drug coverage may want to 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 you’re considering prescription drug coverage in Ohio, you may want to look at a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan.
Most Popular Medicare Advantage Plans in Ohio
Finding the right Medicare Advantage plan in Ohio is as unique as every other aspect of you. Among Ohio residents enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, 60% choose an HMO/HMOPOS plan while 38% choose a Local PPO, as reported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS.gov). Knowing how much Medicare plan coverage you need will help determine the right Medicare Advantage plan for your needs and budget.
You can become more informed about the right Medicare Advantage plans available in Ohio 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.
When is the Ohio Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment Period?
Enrollment in a Medicare Advantage plan occurs during specified enrollment periods. Medicare enrollment in Ohio 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 Ohio 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, Ohio 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, Ohio 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 Ohio Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?
Now is the perfect time to make sure you’re receiving the benefits you deserve. A SelectQuote licensed sales agent can ensure you’re staying up to date with annual updates insurance companies make to Medicare plans. As a trusted third-party company who specializes in helping consumers understand their Medicare options, SelectQuote can help you find the right Ohio Medicare Advantage plan to meet your 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.
