How Much Are Medicare Advantage Plans 2010?

Some Medicare Advantage Plans still offer health coverage at no additional cost over what you already pay for your Medicare in 2010. While some advantage plans have a no monthly plan premium, others do. In any case you must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium unless paid for you under Medicaid or by another third party.

Additional costs depend on the benefits provided by the plan, with some charging an additional premium or having higher deductible and co-payment requirements. However, there are many Medicare Advantage plans that offer more coverage protection than Medicare Parts A and B, but have zero extra monthly premiums above your Part B premium.

In general, Medicare Advantage plans are less expensive than traditional Medicare because they cap the amount of out-of-pocket costs. For example, traditional Medicare plans typically require an individual to personally pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount out of their own pocket. For someone with high medical costs this can quickly add up. Medicare Advantage plans, however, will limit annual out-of-pocket expenses, typically between $2,000 and $5,000.

As rates and benefits vary, you need to carefully compare plans in order to find the one that best fits your health care needs. While Medicare Advantage plans can provide better coverage, the choices can seem overwhelming.

Depending on where someone lives, the Medicare Advantage plan options number in the hundreds. If you live in New York City or Miami for example, you have over 100 different Medicare Plans to choose from.