What are Medicare Advantage Plans?

Medicare Advantage, also called Medicare Part C, is health care coverage managed by Medicare-approved private companies.  

What do Medicare Advantage Plans Cover? 

Medicare Advantage plans bundle Medicare Part A and Part B into one plan.   

The plans cover all of your Part A and Part B benefits. Plus, some plans include Part D prescription drug coverage and other health care benefits like dental, vision and hearing. They may offer extra benefits such as gym memberships, transportation assistance and over-the-counter drugs. 

Medicare Advantage Plan coverage includes: 

Medicare Part A – hospital insurance  

• Inpatient hospital stays 
• Care in a skilled nursing facility 
• Home health care following an inpatient stay 
• Hospice care 

Medicare Part B – medical insurance 

• Preventive care  
• Outpatient care 
• Home health services for the homebound
• Durable medical equipment, like walkers and hospital beds 

Medicare Part D – prescription drug coverage*  

• Brand name drugs 
• Generic drugs
• Vaccines 

*Included in most Medicare Advantage plans 

Additional health care benefits, such as: 

• Dental 
• Vision
• Hearing 

Extra benefits, such as: 

• Transportation assistance 
• Gym memberships
• Over-the-counter drug coverage 

You have to live in a Medicare Advantage plan’s service area to enroll in their plan. You will also have to go to doctors, facilities and suppliers that are in the plan’s network – unless you have an emergency.   

Medicare Advantage plans work to coordinate your care. That means your doctors and your health plan work together to get you the care that you need. For that reason, Medicare Advantage plans will encourage you to select a primary care physician who is responsible for your care. The plans may also require referrals to see a specialist.  

How Much Does Medicare Advantage Cost? 

If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you will pay your Medicare Part A premium if you have one, your Medicare Part B premium and a Medicare Advantage plan premium. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer a $0 premium.  

You will also be responsible for paying for any deductibles, copayments or coinsurance.  

Learn more about the costs for Medicare Advantage.

What is a Medicare Advantage D-SNP Plan? 

Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) are Medicare Advantage plans for people who are eligible for Medicare and Medicaid at the same time.   

D-SNPs offer all of the same services other Medicare Advantage plans offer, but most of your costs will be covered because Medicare and Medicaid are working together to provide your health care coverage.  

Additional Medicare Advantage Coverage Options 

If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can also enroll in:  

• Medicare Part D if your Medicare Advantage plan does not include prescription drug coverage.  

Have Questions? Learn More from Banner Health. 

Learn more about Banner Health’s Medicare Advantage plans.

Learn about Banner Health’s Medicare Part D plan.

Learn about Banner Health’s Medicare Advantage D-SNP plan.  

Contact Banner Medicare so we can answer any questions you may have and even help you enroll.  

Call (888) 788-1931 (TTY 711) to speak with a licensed sales agent. 

• October 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week
• April 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday – Friday  

Use our online form to have a licensed sales agent contact you.