Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement in Colorado
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered by private insurers approved by Medicare. They replace Original Medicare for hospital and medical coverage, usually include Part D drug coverage, and often add dental, vision and hearing benefits. Most use provider networks and have a yearly out-of-pocket maximum.
Medicare Advantage plans bundle hospital, medical and usually prescription coverage into one plan, often with a low or $0 monthly premium. In exchange, most plans use networks (HMO or PPO) and charge copays when you get care.
As local Westminster brokers, we specialize in Medicare Supplement and Part D. If you want to see any doctor who accepts Medicare, travel often, or prefer predictable costs, a Supplement plus a drug plan may fit you better. Call 970-685-2066 for a free comparison.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans in Colorado
Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, is a way to get your Medicare benefits through a private insurance company approved by Medicare. It replaces Original Medicare for hospital and medical coverage. Most plans include Part D drug coverage, and many add dental, vision and hearing.
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Most Colorado Advantage plans are HMOs or PPOs. With an HMO, you generally use doctors and hospitals in the plan's network and may need a referral to see a specialist. A PPO lets you go out of network, but you'll usually pay more when you do. Plans, premiums and networks vary by county, so your options in Denver can look different from the ones in Colorado Springs.
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You can join or switch Advantage plans during the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 to December 7. If you're already in an Advantage plan, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, January 1 to March 31, gives you one chance to switch plans or go back to Original Medicare.
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We don't sell Medicare Advantage plans. As an independent Medicare broker, we focus on Medicare Supplement plans and Part D drug plans, and we'll show you how they compare with Advantage before you decide. Turning 65 or reviewing your coverage? Call 970-685-2066 or get a free quote.
How Medicare Advantage Works in Colorado
How Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans work, and how they compare with a Medicare Supplement plus Part D.
Who We Help
People weighing Medicare Advantage against a Medicare Supplement, and Advantage members who want to see whether a Supplement plus Part D would fit them better.
What It Costs
You keep paying your Part B premium. Many plans have a $0 premium, plus copays and coinsurance up to an annual in-network out-of-pocket maximum. Drug costs depend on the plan's formulary.
How We Help
We specialize in Medicare Supplement and Part D. If a Supplement plus a drug plan fits you better, we compare carriers, check your doctors and prescriptions, and handle enrollment at no cost to you.
Talk to a Local Medicare Broker
Medicare brokers are paid by the insurance companies, and plan premiums are the same whether you enroll with a broker or directly. Call 970-685-2066 or request a free quote, and we'll walk you through every Medicare Supplement and Part D option available in your county.
Medicare Advantage FAQs
It depends. Medicare Advantage often costs less each month and adds extra benefits, but it uses networks and copays. Original Medicare with a Supplement costs more monthly but lets you see any provider that accepts Medicare and has more predictable costs.
No. Medicare Supplement plans only work with Original Medicare, and it's illegal to sell someone a Supplement if they're enrolled in Medicare Advantage.
During Annual Enrollment (October 15 to December 7) and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31), plus special enrollment periods for certain life events.
Yes. You can return to Original Medicare during Annual Enrollment (October 15 to December 7) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31), then apply for a Supplement. Insurers can usually review your health first, so call us before you switch.