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The original Medicare Plan is a pay-per-visit health plan that allows a beneficiary to all healthcare providers that accept Medicare nationwide. However, there are some costs, referred to as coverage "gaps" that are not covered. This is where a Medicare Advantage plan comes in handy.
Find Medicare advantage and supplemental Medicare quotes today >>
Part A of Medicare covers hospitalization and is the lowest level of coverage, automatically provided by the federal government as a social benefit. Part B is optional medical insurance, and availing involves a monthly payment that is deducted from Social Security benefits. Part C is insurance coverage for prescription drugs, and was added as an option to Medicare in January 1, 2006 as part of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Modernization and Improvement Act (MMA) passed by Congress in 2003. Medicare Advantage plans fall under the provisions of Plan C, although not all Medicare Advantage plans actually cover prescription drugs.
Stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans are also available, but bundled Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage often cost lower in the long run.
Sterling Partners - Montana [H5839 - 001] is also a Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan but charges a monthly premium of $26 for its extended coverage.
Advantra
Aetna
Clear Choice Health Plans
WellCare
Humana
Blue Cross
New West Health Services
UniCare
SecureHorizons
Sterling
Team Care Advantage
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Low-cost senior helath insurance plans in Montana are easy to find here >>
* You may be able to get extra help to pay for your prescription drug premiums and costs. To see if you qualify for getting extra help, call:
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY/TDD users should call 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day/7 days a week;
The Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY/TDD users should call, 1-800-325-0778; or Your State Medicaid Office
Dental or vision options can be added to your
coverage.
Living longer means paying more for health care.
A woman who retires at 65 can expect to maintain her health until the age of 84, on average.2
Men who expect high health costs after they turn 65 end up retiring – on average – 13 months later than those who don't.3