

Many plans offer these added benefits at no additional premium, since Medicare pays these insurers directly to manage your care.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about eligibility, enrollment, coverage, and costs.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Medicare Enrollment | Must be enrolled in both Part A and Part B |
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (5+ years) |
| Residency | Must live in the plan’s service area at least 6 months/year |
| ESRD Eligibility | People with ESRD are eligible since 2021 |
| Part B Premium | You must continue paying your Part B premium |
| Enrollment Period | When It Happens | What You Can Do |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) | 3 months before to 3 months after turning 65 | Enroll in Medicare Advantage for the first time |
| Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) | October 15 – December 7 | Add, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan |
| Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment | January 1 – March 31 | Switch plans or return to Original Medicare |
| Special Enrollment Period (SEP) | Varies — based on life events like moving | Make changes outside of standard enrollment periods |
Medicare Advantage plans must include everything covered by Original Medicare — and they often offer more:
Inpatient hospital care
Doctor visits and outpatient care
Emergency and urgent care
Mental health services
Home health care (non-hospice)
Prescription drug coverage (in most plans)
Dental, vision, and hearing benefits
Fitness programs (like SilverSneakers)
Worldwide emergency travel benefits
Over-the-counter (OTC) allowances
📝 Benefits vary by plan. Always review your plan’s Summary of Benefits for full details.
Your costs depend on the specific plan, your location, and how much care you use.
$0 Premium Plans: Many areas offer plans with $0 premiums — but you must still pay your Part B premium
Deductibles: Some plans have no deductibles; others have separate drug and medical deductibles
Copays/Coinsurance: You may pay a fixed fee or a percentage for services
Out-of-Pocket Maximum: All Medicare Advantage plans have a spending cap — a major benefit over Original Medicare
Income Consideration: If your income is high, you may pay IRMAA surcharges on Part B and Part D
Medicare Advantage plans offer more all-in-one convenience, cost protections, and extra perks — but networks and coverage can vary.
When deciding, consider:
Your preferred doctors and hospitals
Prescription needs
Budget and income
Desire for extras like dental, vision, or gym memberships
Choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Graham Life Services, our licensed agents:
Explain the benefits of Medicare Advantage in plain language
Compare local plans to find what suits you best
Help you avoid unnecessary costs and enrollment mistakes
Guide you every step of the way — at no cost to you
📞 Reach out for a free consultation and explore your Medicare Advantage options with confidence.
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