Medicare Advantage Program

The U.S. Congress created the Medicare Advantage Program to provide more choices and additional benefits by allowing private companies to offer Medicare benefits. In turn, the Medicare Advantage Plan manages the Medicare coverage options for its members. If the Medicare Advantage Plan is available in your area, you are most likely eligible to receive Medicare-covered benefits, including prescription drugs or additional days in the hospital. The plan may have special rules that you need to follow.

Potential subscribers to this type of coverage need to remember that Medicare Part A and Part B are required to join a Medicare Advantage Plan. Generally, you can join a Medicare Advantage Plan at any time. However, Medicare Advantage Plans must accept new members from November 15 through December 31 of each year. If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan during this time, your coverage begins on January 1 of the next year.