Silver Linings
Are you looking for the best Medicare plan for seniors? You’ve come to the right article! Here, we’ll outline exactly what differentiates Medicare Advantage from standard Medicare before listing the best plans on the market in 2024. Let’s dive in.
What is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage, sometimes referred to as Medicare Part C, is a type of plan offered by private insurance companies.
They’re collectively known as Medigap supplement services. They’re comprehensive Medicare packages that combine Medicare Parts A and B - hospital and general medical services including treatment services and trips to the emergency room. Sometimes Part D, prescription drug plans, is included too - but this isn’t always the case.
Medicare Advantage is for people who are already enrolled for Medicare Parts A and B and see enrollees enjoy additional services including prescriptions, fitness programs, dental health, vision tests and hearing services. If you’re not signed up for Medicare Part A and Part B, you won’t be able to take advantage of a Medicare Advantage plan.
Are Seniors Eligible for Medicare Advantage?
Of course! Medicare Advantage is available to residents of the United States who are 65 years of age or older. While also available for those with disabilities who aren’t seniors, Medicare Advantage’s main audience is those 65 and over.
It’s often a more cost-effective option than standard Medicare plans, enabling those enrolled to save on services. This is hugely beneficial for those on lower incomes who require a variety of health services including Medicare Plan D - prescription drug services.
Best Medicare Advantage Plans
Now you’ve decided to invest in a great Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll be wondering which providers are best. Let’s explore them!
Cigna Healthcare
While only available in 28 states, Cigna Healthcare is one of the frontrunners in providing great Medicare Advantage plans to senior citizens living in the U.S. At no additional cost, Cigna Healthcare provides enrollees with emotional support services and wellness discounts. That’s alongside Medicare Plan A and Plan B as standard.
The plans on offer here are great for seniors in low-income households because they offer both low- and no-monthly premium plans. Our favorite benefit that comes with a Cigna Healthcare plan is that you’ll receive gift cards when you make preventative health visits.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a great Medicare Advantage package that’s ideal for seniors seeking coverage this year. The comprehensive plan is available in 47 of the 50 U.S. states and additional benefits you can enjoy include vision, dental and hearing.
UnitedHealthcare
While the abbreviations HMO, POS, PPO, SNP, PFFS and MSA may not be clear to you now, UnitedHealthcare is on hand to run you through each of these Medicare Advantage Plans that they offer. Ranging from low cost to higher cost, there is a UnitedHealthcare plan for every type of senior citizen.
Plans are available in all but one U.S. state and can include vision, dental and hearing benefits. You can even secure medical appointment services, virtual provider visits, wellness programs and dental X-rays.
Humana
What’s great about Humana in 2024? For a start, all of this provider’s Medicare Advantage plans include routine dental, hearing and vision benefits. They all offer the benefits of Medicare Parts A and B too. Plus, most plans include prescription drug services. All 50 states are covered by Humana, meaning that no senior in the U.S. is missed. Some plans even include gym membership and transportation cost coverage.
Aetna
Aetna offers great benefits to seniors who sign up for Medicare Advantage. Some of the plans on offer here come with no-cost benefits including access to over 15,000 fitness locations, online fitness workshops, over-the-counter supplies, dental exams and coverage for eyeglasses.
That’s not all! You can also take advantage of annual hearing exams, hearing aid coverage, dental cleanings and mail-order drugs. Some plans even cover dental fillings and extractions. Aetna Medicare Advantage is available in all 50 U.S. states, meaning that you can sign up no matter where you live.
Anthem
While offering Medicare Advantage plans in the fewest states of any provider on this list, it’s one of the very best on offer in those 14 states it serves. The plans at Anthem include all the great benefits of Medicare Parts A and B, plus extras in single comprehensive plans. With a network of doctors and hospitals, you’ll also enjoy dental benefits, prescription drug coverage and extras including groceries, rides and over-the-counter items.
Medicare Mastery
When seeking the best Medicare Advantage plan, it's essential to prioritize comprehensive coverage, network accessibility, affordability and quality ratings. By carefully evaluating these factors and comparing available options, seniors can make informed decisions to ensure they receive the healthcare benefits and services they need to maintain their health and well-being in the coming year. Remember, each person's healthcare needs are unique, so it's essential to choose a plan that aligns with individual preferences and circumstances.