Rhode Island Medicare Advantage Plans

From mansion tours in Newport to beaches on Block Island, Rhode Island has plenty of things to keep seniors active. Medicare beneficiaries in the state can rely on many resources to help them choose the right plan for their needs. This includes Medicare Advantage plans, which combine Part A and Part B into a single comprehensive plan with extra benefits such as dental care and home-delivered meals. These plans have fewer costs than Original Medicare, but premiums can vary considerably.

There are several different types of Medicare Advantage plans, each designed for a particular type of senior. To find the best plan for you, consider your coverage area, doctors and medical facilities that you use, and your overall health care needs. You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during your open enrollment period, which begins 3 months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after. You can also enroll during the general enrollment period that runs from January 1 to March 31 each year.

Rhode Island Medicare Eligibility

Rhode Island is one of the few states that does not allow Medicaid beneficiaries to have access to private Medicare Advantage plans. However, beneficiaries can purchase Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) to help pay for the gaps in Original Medicare. These plans can also provide additional coverage, such as prescription drug benefits and travel coverage. When choosing a plan, consider the doctors you see regularly and whether they are in-network with the plan. Make sure the plan covers the drugs you take and is affordable for your budget.

If you are a senior who is new to Medicare, it’s important to enroll during Open Enrollment to avoid penalties. You can enroll online, over the phone, or at your local Social Security office. You can get free counseling from a trained, unbiased counselor to help you choose the best plan for your needs and budget. If you have trouble paying the premium, you may qualify for assistance through Medicare Savings Programs.

Rhode Island Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Supplement Plans in Rhode Island help pay for some or all of your deductibles and co-payments. You can find plans from several different insurers, so comparing prices and coverage is a good idea. You can also ask friends and family members about their experience with specific insurance companies. When selecting a plan, look for a carrier with a strong financial rating from the ratings agencies.

A Medicare Supplement plan is a private insurance policy that fills in the gaps where your original Medicare coverage ends. The federal government sets standards for these plans, which private insurance companies sell. Rhode Island residents can choose from 10 standardized plans, identified by letters A through G. Plan F offers the most comprehensive coverage, but it’s only available if you first enroll in Medicare before 2020.

Enrollment in a Medicare Supplement plan is best done during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you turn 65. If you sign up during this time, you won’t be subject to medical underwriting questions, and you’ll likely get lower rates.

Rhode Island Medicare Savings Program

The Rhode Island MSP program pays a portion of the premiums and co-payments for Medicare beneficiaries with incomes below 185 percent of the federal poverty level. It also allows enrollees to subtract medical expenses from their income and usually approves spend-down benefits in six-month increments.

The MSP program is a critical lifeline for low-income Rhode Islanders. Expanding MSP eligibility will help them access health care and stay out of poverty. It will also benefit communities of color, women, and persons with disabilities, who are twice as likely to live in poverty as the general population.