Brandpoint (BPT)
(BPT) – If you’re 65 years or older and have questions about choosing a Medicare Advantage plan for 2024 during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), you’re not alone. Deciding between different insurance providers, as well as the many options within each provider’s available plans, can be confusing. The good news is that some health insurance providers are simplifying their plans. That helps make it easier for Medicare-eligible people to choose a plan that suits their unique situation.
“Our experience shows that Medicare consumers want more than just a one-size-fits-all approach to health care,” said Terri Swanson, president of Aetna® Medicare. “They want personalized plans that fit their unique needs and budgets, and flexible benefit allowances that address what matters most to them. Aetna kept this top of mind when developing plans for 2024.”
To help you make your decision during this AEP, Aetna is providing helpful information about understanding your Medicare plan options for 2024 and sharing answers to common questions people have about Medicare Advantage plans.
What’s the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
It’s easy to confuse the various Medicare options, including what is considered “Original Medicare” and what is a “Medicare Advantage” plan. Original Medicare includes hospital insurance, commonly called Part A, and medical insurance, which is called Part B. A common mistake people make about Original Medicare is that it pays for everything. In reality, it does not. Everyone who is enrolled in Original Medicare pays a premium for medical coverage (Part B) based on their income. Original Medicare doesn’t cover prescription drugs.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is different. Medicare Advantage plans are offered through private insurance companies and take a total approach to health and wellness. Not only do they cap out-of-pocket spending, but most Medicare Advantage plans cover prescription drugs. Some include additional benefits like vision, dental and hearing.
How do Medicare Advantage plans care for your whole health?
Medicare Advantage plans aim to provide a holistic set of services that meet the unique needs of each individual and help them achieve their personal health goals. In addition to important health care benefits, Medicare Advantage plans provide nonmedical offerings that can help older adults address their health needs and wants. These can include fitness memberships, flexible allowances for over-the-counter items and more.
What are some of the basics of Aetna Medicare Advantage plans?
Here are some of the most important things to know about 2024 Aetna Medicare Advantage plans nationwide:
84% of the Medicare-eligible beneficiaries in the U.S. will have access to a $0 monthly premium Aetna Medicare Advantage plan.
All Aetna Medicare Advantage plans will include dental,* vision and hearing benefits.
All counties offering Aetna Medicare Advantage plans will have options that include a $0 monthly premium, $0 primary care copay, $0 copays for Tier 1 drugs, over-the-counter allowance and more.
All Aetna Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans will offer $0 copays on Tier 1 drugs and a $0 deductible on all Tier 1 and Tier 2 drugs at preferred pharmacies.
What benefits are available in Ohio?
Aetna Medicare Advantage plans have expanded into all Ohio counties and offer a variety of benefits to address members’ unique needs.
For example, Aetna Medicare Premier (HMO-POS)/H0628-017 plan available in Columbus includes:
$0 monthly plan premium
$0 copays for primary care visits and $35 copays for specialist visits, no referral required
$135 quarterly for select health and wellness items available in plan’s over-the-counter (OTC) catalog
What are Star Ratings and why do they matter?
Every year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) measures the performance and quality of Medicare Advantage plans. Similar to the ratings used to evaluate hotels and restaurants, plans are rated on a 1- to 5-star scale on things like customer service and how well they help keep members healthy. CMS recently announced Star Ratings for 2024 Medicare Advantage plans and 87% of Aetna Medicare Advantage members are in 4-star plans or higher.
When can I enroll?
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is already underway and runs through December 7. Consumers can sign up for Medicare or switch plans during this time. To learn more about 2024 Aetna Medicare plans, call Aetna at 1-844-588-0041 (TTY: 711), 7 days a week, 8 AM to 8 PM. A licensed agent may answer your call. Or visit AetnaMedicare.com.
*Excluding NY I-SNP.
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Aetna Medicare is a HMO, PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Our DSNPs also have contracts with State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. Plan features and availability may vary by service area. Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Participating health care providers are independent contractors and are neither agents nor employees of Aetna. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed, and provider network composition is subject to change. The pharmacy network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary. The Aetna Medicare pharmacy network includes limited lower cost, preferred pharmacies in: Suburban Arizona, Suburban Illinois, Urban Kansas, Rural Michigan, Suburban Michigan, Urban Michigan, Urban Missouri, Suburban Utah, Suburban West Virginia and Suburban Wyoming. The lower costs advertised in our plan materials for these pharmacies may not be available at the pharmacy you use. For up-to-date information about our network pharmacies, including whether there are any lower-cost preferred pharmacies in your area, members please call the number on your ID card, non-members please call 1-833-278-3928 (TTY: 711) or consult the online pharmacy directory.
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