As you approach the age of eligibility for Medicare, you will qualify for the federal health insurance program that covers essential healthcare services. While Medicare is an excellent program that helps many seniors afford healthcare, it may not cover all the services you need, leaving you with out-of-pocket expenses. Thankfully, an alternative option called Medicare Advantage (MA) insurance has extra benefits beyond basic Medicare. This blog post will explore what Medicare Advantage covers beyond Medicare alone.

Hospitalization

Medicare Advantage covers hospitalization beyond what original Medicare covers. You're entitled to at least the same coverage, but most varieties of MA provide additional coverage like longer stays, private rooms, and even phones and TVs. The length of hospital stays covered may vary, making it essential to choose the right MA policy for you.

Prescription Drugs

Original Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs. However, many Medicare Advantage policies come with integrated drug coverage, also known as Part C. Part C coverage combines hospital, medical, and prescription drug coverage into a single plan. It provides additional coverage beyond what you'd find in part D, like the maximum amount you pay each year.

Dental and Vision Coverage

Original Medicare is notorious for not covering dental and vision care. However, some Medicare Advantage policies opt to provide dental and vision coverage. While coverage varies, some policies may cover everything from regular checkups to glasses.

Transportation Costs

Some Medicare Advantage plans also offer transportation benefits for medical appointments. This plan eliminates the need to find multiple transportation services to get you to your medical appointments. Seniors can access various types of transportation to get to their doctors, ranging from ambulances to wheelchair lifts.

Wellness and Preventive Benefits

MA policies encourage seniors to prioritize staying healthy and preventing health problems before they occur by covering routine services like wellness checks, cancer screens, and flu shots. Some plans provide other preventive services, such as vision or hearing checks, gym memberships, acupuncture, and other alternative treatments.

When considering Medicare Advantage insurance, individuals must understand the benefits offered beyond basic Medicare. Hospitalization, prescription drugs, dental and vision coverage, transportation benefits, and wellness and preventive benefits are some of the additional benefits provided by most MA policies. When reaching Medicare's senior age, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of insurance policy options in order to make informed decisions. The additional coverage may differ amongst policies, so you must prioritize evaluating the available options to determine which one is best for your specific needs.

For more info about Medicare Advantage insurance, contact a local company.