Navigating Your Healthcare Options with Confidence and Ease
Access to care is critical to the health and security of New Yorkers. Nearly 3.8 million New York residents are enrolled in Medicare, with nearly 50% of those enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. As the baby boomer generation ages, it is estimated that over 80 million people in the U.S. will be eligible for Medicare by 2030, and Medicare plays a key role in advancing health of the aging U.S. population.
At MVP Health Care, our customers are at the center of everything we do. We believe that health care should be accessible and enhance overall health and well-being. This starts with helping customers navigate the health care system.
We're here to break down the basics of Medicare by answering the four most asked questions.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance plan for people 65 years of age and older. It is also available for young people with disabilities and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD). Medicare offers a variety of benefits designed to help people live their healthiest lives and is made up of different parts.
What are the different parts of Medicare?
Medicare covers medically necessary services and consists of two parts – Part A and Part B. Part A covers hospital care such as inpatient care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice and home health care. Part B is medical insurance covering services from doctors, primary care physicians, health care providers, outpatient care and home health care. Medicare Part C, known as Medicare Advantage, bundles Part A and Part B, and usually Part D. which helps cover the costs of prescription drugs and may lower costs. Medicare Advantage offers additional coverage and extra benefits on top of typical Medicare coverage.
How is Medicare Advantage different than Medicare?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered by private health insurance companies like MVP to help supplement existing Medicare coverage. Medicare Advantage is an affordable way for beneficiaries to secure additional coverage and extra benefits for a low cost. For example, MVP’s Medicare Advantage plan provides $0 primary care visits, transportation, fitness benefits, dental and vision benefits and over the counter benefits, to name a few. This plan is ideal for customers who are interested in extra benefits at a lower cost.
How to enroll in Medicare?
People can sign up for Medicare within three months before and after their 65th birthday. Once enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, customers can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with Part D prescription drug coverage.
The Annual Election Period (AEP) occurs every year from October 15th-December 7th. During this time, customers can switch plans, and the changes will go into effect on January 1. If someone doesn't like their new plan or didn't enroll but would like to, they can make the change during the Open Enrollment Period (OE) which runs from January 1-March 31.
Having a better understanding of different health care plans is essential to empower the community to be proactive in their health care journey. By helping customers navigate the complexities of the health care landscape and Medicare, we are creating a healthier and happier community.
As a community-centric organization, we know firsthand that health care is more than just coverage. It's about wellness, safety and empowerment. This is why our team is dedicated to designing personalized health care to meet the unique needs of our customers.
If you’re interested in in learning more about Medicare and Medicare Advantage, visit our Medicare page, or speak with an MVP Medicare expert at 1-800-665-7924 (TTY 711)