Flexible Content Medicare Advantage plans provide Medicare coverage through private health insurance companies approved to participate in the Medicare program. These plans can be HMOs, PPOs, Regional PPOs or Private Fee-for-Service plans. Medicare Advantage plans provide all Part A and B services while generally including some additional services, such as wellness programs, hearing aids and vision services. These plans
also tend to have lower cost sharing overall and a maximum that you would have to pay for out-of-pocket costs each calendar year–a feature not available through Original Medicare. Premium Deductibles Copays A copayment may apply to specific services, such as doctor office visits. Coinsurance Cost sharing amounts may apply to specific services. Out-of-Pocket Expenses All Medicare Advantage plans have an annual limit on your out-of-pocket expenses, which is a feature not available through Original Medicare. LimitsMedicare Advantage plans have defined geographic service areas and most have networks of physicians and hospitals where you can receive care. Ask your physicians if they participate in your health insurance plan’s Medicare Advantage network. Things to Consider
Initial Enrollment PeriodThe Initial Enrollment Period is a limited window of time when you can enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and/or Part B) when you are first eligible. After you are enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, you can select other coverage options like a Medicare Advantage plan from approved private insurers. After this period has ended, you can add or change your coverage during the Open Enrollment Period. How to EnrollYou must first enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B before joining a Medicare Advantage plan. Contact your local Blue Cross Blue Shield company for help choosing a Medicare Advantage plan and getting enrolled. Open Enrollment PeriodOctober 15 through December 7 The Medicare Open Enrollment Period provides an annual opportunity to review, and if necessary, change your Medicare coverage options. Coverage becomes effective on January 1. During Open Enrollment, some examples of changes that you can make include:
As of January 2019, a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is available from January 1 – March 31 every year. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you will have a one-time opportunity to make changes to your Medicare coverage, which includes switching to a different Medicare Advantage plan OR returning to Original Medicare with the option to sign up for a Prescription Drug Coverage plan. This open enrollment period previously ran until February 15, but was extended by Congress to run until March 31 for those already enrolled in Medicare Advantage. Download the Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) guide to find the coverage options offered by your local Blue Cross Blue Shield company. BlueCross BlueShield Of New Mexico/BlueCross Medicare AdvantageMedicare is your health plan if you're:
Help with Joining MedicareYou can reach out to the Social Security Administration (SSA) with questions. They are available Monday through Friday between 7a.m. to 7p.m. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is a trusted and experienced health insurance company. We provide coverage to more than 8.2 million members. Why do so many New Mexicans choose us?
Does New Mexico have Medicare Advantage plans?In 2022, there are 69 Medicare Advantage plans available in New Mexico, compared to 82 plans in 2021. 100% of Medicare beneficiaries have access to a zero premium Medicare Advantage plan in 2022. The average Medicare Advantage monthly premium in 2022 is $14.73, a slight increase from 2021.
What is the most popular Medicare Advantage plan?AARP/UnitedHealthcare is the most popular Medicare Advantage provider with 28% of all enrollment. Plans are well-rated and have affordable premiums and add-on benefits, a valuable combination that could account for AARP/UHC having the largest number of Medicare Advantage enrollees.
Who is the biggest Medicare Advantage provider?UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans and offers plans in nearly nine out of every 10 U.S. counties. UnitedHealthcare also partners with AARP, insuring the Medicare products that carry the AARP name.
What are the benefits of a Medicare Advantage plan?With a Medicare Advantage Plan, you may have coverage for things Original Medicare doesn't cover, like fitness programs (gym memberships or discounts) and some vision, hearing, and dental services (like routine check ups or cleanings). Plans can also choose to cover even more benefits.
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