There are plenty of Medicare Advantage plans to choose from in Missouri, each offering quality coverage. But not every plan is suited to your needs, so here is your guide to comparing Advantage plans in Missouri.
#1: Consider Your Missouri Insurance Providers
There are four major Medicare Advantage plan providers in Missouri:
- Aetna, with a 4-star Medicare ranking
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, with a 4 to 4.5-star Medicare ranking
- Humana, with a 4-start Medicare ranking
- UnitedHealthcare, with a 3.5-star Medicare ranking
First, decide if any of these options suits your needs better than the others. No matter what you decide, the next step is to explore their plan options and see if they meet your other qualifications. If not, move onto another provider.
#2: See What’s in Network
Each Medicare Advantage plan offers its own network of coverage to reduce your monthly premium and out-of-pocket costs. There are four types of Advantage plans to choose from: Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS), and Special Needs Plans (SNPs). SNPs are reserved for those with chronic conditions or Medicaid.
HMO plans offer a small network at very low costs. If you find an HMO plan with your preferred providers, it can be a great option. There will be a few different networks to choose from, so you can decide which works best for you.
If you want less restrictions, you may consider a PPO plan. They have larger networks, don’t require a primary care provider, and cover some out-of-network care, unlike HMOs. However, the costs are higher, so consider what structure works best for your situation.
If you’re choosing an Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage, you will need to choose one that covers the prescriptions you need. Each plan comes with a list, or formulary, of covered drugs. You can also talk to your doctor about your options to see what you need.
#3: Evaluate All of Your Costs
There are a few costs that go into every insurance plan. For Medicare Advantage, the premiums are very low, sometimes even $0. The more coverage or wider network included in your plan, the higher your premium.
Most plans offer an out-of-pocket max, meaning that once you spend a certain amount, you do not have to pay anymore. Evaluate where your limit would be, and find a plan that best accommodates it.
You can also purchase Advantage plans with extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, wellness, and more. This will add to your premium, but consider if the value of these services is worthwhile to your needs.
#4: Call Secure Insurance Group
With so many factors to consider in your decision for the best Medicare Advantage plan, you could use some help. Call Secure Insurance Group at 1 (877) 871-7328 to learn more.
