What is a Medicare Advantage plan?

Also known as Part C, Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and include Part A and Part B coverage. A Medicare Advantage plan can also provide more benefits* than traditional Medicare, including:

• Lower copays
• Preventive coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• No deductibles
• Gym membership to Ochsner Fitness Center at no additional cost
• Coverage when traveling in the U.S. and overseas

What you need to know about Medicare

To enroll in Medicare, you may need to contact Social Security directly. It’s recommended you do this before your 65th birthday to avoid lapse in coverage and avoid any penalties for signing up late. You should receive a packet in the mail from Medicare before you turn 65. You have the option to enroll online, in person at the Social Security office, or by calling 800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8:00 am – 5:30 pm. Monday through Friday.

You have a 7-month window around your 65th birthday to enroll; this is called your initial enrollment period. After that, you can still enroll in Medicare, but may need to wait for a designated special/annual election period to do so based on life events such as moving, loss of coverage or opportunity to get other coverage.