What Are Medicare Advantage Plans in Wisconsin?
Did you know that the Badger State of Wisconsin is not named for a furry animal? Instead it’s a nickname for the lead miners of the 1820s who dug tunnels to sleep in and keep warm. Today the name carries on in the UW-Madison Wisconsin Badgers.
When it comes to thinking about Medicare Insurance, there’s no reason to feel like you’re “tunneling” through the Medicare maze. An advocate such as SelectQuote is here to help. As the age 65 approaches, it’s worthwhile to work with a Medicare insurance specialist who can help you determine your healthcare options with a Wisconsin Medicare Advantage Insurance plan.
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. Wisconsin 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.
Am I Eligible for a Medicare Advantage Plan in Wisconsin?
You can determine your eligibility for a Medicare Advantage plan in Wisconsin 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 in Wisconsin where Medicare Advantage plans are sold? If the answer to both questions is yes, you’re approved. The purchase of a Wisconsin Medicare Advantage plan may potentially save you 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.
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Cover Prescription Drugs?
Anyone living in the 534, 715, 608, 920, 262 and 414 area codes of Wisconsin 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 prescription drug coverage in important to you, a Wisconsin Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan may be something you should consider.
Most Popular Medicare Advantage Plans in Wisconsin
Finding the right Medicare Advantage plan in Wisconsin is as unique as the person the plan is there to support. Among Wisconsin residents enrolled in Medicare Advantage, 58% choose an HMO/HMOPOS plan, 40% choose a Local PPO plan, and 2% choose a Regional PPO plan, 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 Wisconsin for your needs and budget.
You can learn more about Medicare Advantage plans available in Wisconsin 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 any questions you might have throughout the process. SelectQuote individually shops more than 20 national insurance companies to help you find a plan that meets your individual needs and budget.
When is the Wisconsin Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment Period?
Enrollment in a Medicare Advantage plan occurs during specified enrollment periods. Medicare enrollment in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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, Wisconsin 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, Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?
Don’t get left out in the cold, wondering if you’re receiving all the Medicare benefits you deserve. A SelectQuote licensed sales agent is available to help you understand what Medicare Advantage plans are available in your area. As an independent third-party company specializing in explaining Medicare to eligible consumers, SelectQuote can help you find the right Medicare Advantage plan to meet your specific needs and we’ll also help you stay up to date with any changes that are made annually to Medicare plans.
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.
