Each year, more people are experiencing the benefits of choosing Medicare Advantage plans over traditional Medicare. At Prevea, we encourage our patients 65 or older to think about selecting Medicare Advantage. These plans can provide you enhanced benefits, while helping you and your doctor work together to keep you healthy for the long run.

Three reasons to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan:

1. One combined plan
   Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is available through private insurance companies to people 65 or older and persons with disabilities. Only insurance companies approved by Medicare can offer Part C plans. Medicare Advantage plans combine hospital coverage (Medicare Part A), with doctor coverage (Medicare Part B) all into the same plan.
2. Get more benefits
   In addition to the hospital and doctor coverage, Medicare Advantage plans often times include other benefits such as vision, hearing, and dental exams.
3. Stay within your limits
   Medicare Advantage plans have limits on out-of-pocket spending for covered medical services. Once you reach your plan’s maximum out-of-pocket amount, Medicare Advantage will pay 100% of additional covered charges incurred during the remainder of the calendar year.

How do you select a Medicare Advantage plan?

• If you are turning 65: You have seven months to enroll. Enrollment begins three months prior to your 65th birthday month and ends three months after.
• If you are over 65: Each year you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during the open enrollment period from October through December, unless you qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP). Review your plan each year to make sure it still meets your health needs.
• If you are under 65 with disabilities: Medicare Advantage plans are available to beneficiaries under age 65, regardless of past and present health conditions. Those who have end-stage renal disease may be unable to register for Medicare Advantage. Click here for more information on exceptions to this rule.

The Choice is yours

For a complete listing of plan options available in your area, please contact: 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or consult www.medicare.gov. Click on “Sign Up/Change Plans” and select “About Medicare Health Plans.” To enroll in Medicare Advantage, contact the plans directly or work with any licensed insurance agent.

Medicare Insurance Helpline

The toll-free Medicare Insurance Helpline, which is serviced by MedicareCompareUSA,* offers patients FREE Medicare resources. Our goal is to help you search for the Medicare insurance available from Medicare Advantage to Medicare Supplement and Medicare Prescription Drug plans that meets your personal needs and preferences while supporting continued access to your trusted health care team. You will be connected with a licensed agent who will not only educate you on your Medicare options, but will help you enroll in a health plan accepted by Prevea Health and HSHS-Eastern Wisconsin Division Hospitals.

Whether you are just turning 65 or are a long-time Medicare patient, this helpline will assist in answering your questions so you can make informed decisions about your Medicare insurance options.

Call the Medicare Insurance Helpline toll-free at 1-855-480-0051, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. or click here to request agent assistance.

*MedicareCompareUSA is an independent insurance agency and call center not affiliated with the federal Medicare program. Helpline services are provided at no cost; MedicareCompareUSA and affiliated agents are paid directly by the Medicare plan chosen by the beneficiary. Their agents are licensed and extensively trained to help simplify your process of choosing a Medicare plan. MedicareCompareUSA is not affiliated with the federal Medicare program. Prevea Health and HSHS-Eastern Wisconsin Division Hospitals receives no benefit when patients use the service. MedicareCompareUSA is a resource provided at no cost and with no obligation, and Medicare beneficiaries are free to contact each Medicare plan directly, work with any licensed Medicare insurance agent, or access Medicare plan information by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or online at www.medicare.gov.