What Are Medicare Advantage Plans in Oregon?
Did you know the state of Oregon is home to more ghost towns than any other state? One mystery that is slightly easier to explore is the world of Medicare Insurance, and SelectQuote is here to help. As age 65 approaches, it’s worthwhile to have an advocate on your side who can take some of the mystery out of the Medicare Insurance process. As a Medicare specialist, SelectQuote can help you determine your needs for Medicare Advantage Insurance coverage.
While you may be familiar with Medicare Parts A and B, you may not know as much about Medicare Part C. Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage (MA). Medicare Part A covers hospital insurance and Medicare Part B covers doctor’s office insurance. Medicare Advantage plans are approved by Medicare and are sold by private insurance companies. MA plans offer at least the same level of coverage as Medicare Parts A and B and replace Medicare Parts A and B.
Many people select a Medicare Advantage plan because of the additional benefits that are often included. Oregon residents needing coverage for hearing, vision, dental and other routine medical services may want to 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 Oregon?
You can determine your eligibility for a Medicare Advantage plan in Oregon by answering two questions. 1) Are you currently approved for Medicare Parts A and B? and 2) Do you reside in a county or zip code where Medicare Advantage plans are sold in Oregon? If the answer to both is yes, you’re approved. The purchase of a Medicare Advantage plan specific to Oregon residents may potentially save you money because many Medicare Advantage plans have $0 monthly premiums. Copayments, coinsurance and deductibles vary depending on the Medicare plan in which you enroll.
Oregon 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 like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles that aren’t covered by Medicare Parts A and B.
Will a Medicare Advantage Plan in Oregon Cover Prescription Drugs?
Anyone living in the 503, 541, 971 and 458 area codes of Oregon 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 it can help cover some of the costs of prescription drugs. If you’re considering prescription drug coverage in Oregon, you may want to look at a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan.
Most Popular Medicare Advantage Plans in Oregon
Finding the right Medicare Advantage plan in Oregon is as unique as the person the plan is there to support. Among Oregon residents who are enrolled in Medicare Advantage, 67% choose an HMO/HMOPOS plan while 33% 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 in Oregon for your needs and budget.
You can learn more about Medicare Advantage plans available in Oregon 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 meets your individual needs and budget.
When is the Oregon Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment Period?
Enrollment in a Medicare Advantage Plan occurs during specified enrollment periods. Medicare enrollment in Oregon 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 Oregon 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, Oregon 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, Oregon 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 Oregon Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?
There’s no reason to wait any longer to see if you are getting all the Medicare benefits you deserve. As an independent third-party company who helps consumers understand their Medicare options, SelectQuote can help you find the right Medicare Advantage plan to meet your specific needs and in addition, we can also let you know of any updates made to Medicare plans each year.
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.
