Choosing The Right Medicare Advantage Plans | Chris Antrim Insurance

Chris Antrim CLTC • May 3, 2023

Medicare Advantage plan has become more popular as years passed by. This private plan is becoming a perfect alternative to Original Medicare, which we all know that there are two main benefits you can receive to your traditional plan—the hospital insurance and outpatient insurance.


Everyone’s need is different especially when it comes to healthcare necessities, but one thing is for sure at the age of 65 years you’ll be eligible for Medicare enrollment and you’ll encounter confusing plans and coverage. But we are here to help you with your
Medicare choices.


Getting ready for your Medicare enrollment? Medicare Advantage plans offer additional features and benefits to those who are not included in your traditional Medicare plan such as Part D prescription drug benefit.  Medicare Advantage provides 33 plans and 27 of these plans include prescription drug coverage.

Types of Medicare Advantage Plan Available in Idaho

Idaho Medicare Advantage plan is a majority of an agreement between network doctors and healthcare facilities. A member who chooses this plan can benefit from a lower cost for care and medical expenses. And these plans include:


  • Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) - is a plan that contracts you to use in-network physicians and hospitals for care, it also includes the choosing of a Primary Care Physician (PCP) for regular consultations and referral for specialists, excepts in emergencies. However, some HMO plans do not require a referral from your PCP, if you need a specialist. Receiving care from an out-of-network doctor will face higher costs.
  • Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) - unlike HMO that requires you to choose PCP, with PPO you are allowed to visit any doctor where you want to receive care. It is a more flexible plan than HMO, however, you’ll likely pay less out-of-pocket for an in-network doctor. Additionally, members who choose PPO do not need a referral if they need specialists.
  • Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) - another plan that does not require a PCP. PFFS is an established health plan where your plan will decide on how much it will pay for the health care services. Signing up for this plan will give you access to the plan with any provider as long as they accept the plan’s rates.
  • Medicare Medical Savings Accounts (MSA) - is a combination of high-deductible health insurance plans with a medical savings account. A member who chooses MSA can pay medical expenses such as hospital bills, doctor’s visits, and long-term care.
  • Special Needs Plans (SNPs) - is a limited membership plan because it is specially designed for people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid or people who have specific illnesses like chronic diseases and disabling conditions.


Top Companies in Boise That Sells Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare to provide additional coverage beyond Original Medicare. These plans often include prescription drug coverage, as well as additional benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage. With so many insurance companies offering Medicare Advantage plans, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this article, we will discuss some of the top companies that sell Medicare Advantage plans.


  1. UnitedHealthcare. UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States, offering Medicare Advantage plans in all 50 states. Their plans often include additional benefits such as fitness memberships and telehealth services. UnitedHealthcare also offers a range of plan options, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), and Special Needs Plans (SNPs).
  2. Humana. Humana is another major health insurance company that offers Medicare Advantage plans in most states. Their plans often include additional benefits such as gym memberships, dental, vision, and hearing coverage, and over-the-counter allowances. Humana also offers a variety of plan options, including HMOs, PPOs, and Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans.
  3. Aetna. Aetna, a subsidiary of CVS Health, offers Medicare Advantage plans in most states. Their plans often include additional benefits such as fitness memberships, telehealth services, and hearing aids. Aetna also offers a range of plan options, including HMOs, PPOs, and SNPs.
  4. Kaiser Permanente. Kaiser Permanente is a not-for-profit healthcare company that offers Medicare Advantage plans in several states. Their plans often include additional benefits such as wellness programs, fitness memberships, and mental health services. Kaiser Permanente offers HMO plans, which means you may be limited to using their network of providers.
  5. Blue Cross Blue Shield. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a federation of independent health insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans in most states. Their plans often include additional benefits such as telehealth services, dental, vision, and hearing coverage, and fitness memberships. BCBS offers a variety of plan options, including HMOs and PPOs.


Boise Idaho Insurance Agent

Medicare Advantage plans are a perfect alternative to your Original Medicare. If you are looking for a plan that offers comprehensive benefits and coverage you can ask your agent about these. Chris Antrim Insurance | Boise Health & Life Insurance Agency is helping their community achieved their individual needs. We believed that everyone is different and has unique situations.

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