Original Medicare
Part A hospital and Part B medical insurance run by the federal government.
Medicare Advantage plans for Savannah and the coast
One card, a yearly out-of-pocket maximum and often dental, vision and fitness. The trade-off is a network. We help you weigh both sides.
Overview
What Medicare Advantage means for you
Medicare Advantage plans, also called Part C, are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. You still have Medicare and still pay your Part B premium, but the plan handles your hospital and medical claims instead of Original Medicare.
Most Advantage plans in Chatham, Bryan and Effingham counties include Part D drug coverage and add routine dental, vision, hearing aids, gym memberships and over-the-counter allowances. Every plan must cap your in-network spending each year, which Original Medicare alone does not.
The important trade-off is the network. HMO plans generally require you to use contracted doctors and get referrals. PPO plans let you go out of network at a higher cost. Before we recommend anything, we check every one of your doctors, your hospital preference and your prescriptions against the plan directory and formulary.
Sample figures for illustration only. Plan availability, premiums and benefits vary by county and change each year. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for all of your options.
What is included
The coverage that matters most, in plain language. Details vary by plan.
- Everything Original Medicare covers, except hospice, which stays with Medicare
- A yearly in-network maximum out-of-pocket limit
- Prescription drug coverage in most plans (MAPD)
- Routine dental cleanings and allowances in many plans
- Eye exams and eyewear allowances
- Hearing exams and hearing aid benefits
- Fitness programs such as SilverSneakers in many plans
- Over-the-counter allowances and telehealth visits
How we help you decide
Our process for medicare advantage, start to finish.
List your doctors and prescriptions
Bring your pill bottles or a list. We enter each drug and dose so the cost estimate is real, not a guess.
Check networks carefully
We verify each doctor, the hospital you prefer and your pharmacy with the carrier, not just the online directory.
Compare total yearly cost
Premium, copays, drug costs and the maximum out-of-pocket, added up for a realistic year and a bad year.
Enroll and review every fall
We submit the application with you and review the plan's Annual Notice of Change each October.
Why people choose it
Yearly spending cap
In-network costs stop at the plan's maximum out-of-pocket amount.
Extras in one card
Dental, vision, hearing and fitness often come built in.
Premiums from $0
Many local plans charge no premium beyond Part B.
Costs and factors
Sample figures for illustration only. Plan availability, premiums and benefits vary by county and change each year.
- Plan premium
- $0 - $89
- Monthly, sample range for Chatham County
- Primary care copay
- $0 - $10
- Per in-network visit, sample range
- Specialist copay
- $25 - $45
- Per in-network visit, sample range
- Max out-of-pocket
- $3,900 - $6,700
- In-network per year, sample range
Medicare Advantage questions
Still wondering about something? A licensed advisor can answer in plain English, usually the same day.
Yes, during the Annual Enrollment Period or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. Getting a Medigap policy afterward may require medical underwriting in Georgia, so we discuss that before you choose Advantage.
It depends on the plan and the specific physician group. We confirm directly with the carrier and the office before you enroll.
Yes. You keep paying your Part B premium to Medicare, plus any plan premium.
Emergency and urgent care are covered anywhere in the U.S. Routine care away from home depends on the plan type, so PPO plans are often better for frequent travelers.
Related coverage
Special Needs Plans
Advantage plans designed for people with Medicaid, chronic conditions or facility care.
Dental, vision and hearing
Routine care Original Medicare leaves out, through Advantage benefits or stand-alone plans.
