In order to compare Medicare Advantage plans you need to understand a few things. The first is that the companies that choose to do business with your state limit your plan selection. You can only choose from the plans available to you.

The next thing you need to be concerned about is how well the plan will cover the medical care that you need. Is the doctor of your choice in the network of providers offered by the plan? If the plan is a fee for service plan, find out if you doctor accepts the terms of the plan.

Each plan is defined by a geographic that it services. Are there enough specialists in the service are where you live? Also, if you travel a lot, you need to find out if the plan has an extended service area.

How difficult is it for you to access specialists? Do you need a referral from a PCP? Can the plan override the decision of the PCP.

Will the plan deny treatment if it deems that it is medically unnecessary or there is a cheaper alternative treatment?

How about when you need medical attention when the doctor’s office is closed? Some plans provide a 24-hour nurse line that may prevent the need for you to go to the emergency room.

Many plans of benefits beyond Medicare such as emergency medical care while traveling overseas, short term custodial care following a medical event, 100% coverage of medical equipment such as wheel chairs, hospital beds, etc. and/or eye and hearing exam coverage with eyeglass and hearing aid discount.

You also have to take into the consideration the costs. Some low premium plans have low premiums but high co-pays. Every time you visit a doctor or specialist, you pay a co-pay. If there is drug coverage in the plan, you pay a co-pay there also. So, it is important to check the total cost. The total cost is the premium plus any anticipated co-pays.

So, compare Medicare plans based on access to providers and specialists that you need,
coverage that you require and the total cost.