Medicare Advantage Plans in Kansas City for 2025
Are you exploring the potential Medicare Advantage plans in Kansas City? With a range of options available, it’s important to understand the differences between plans, their potential costs, and possible benefits they might offer.
This guide will provide you with essential information that could help you navigate through the options, identify which Medicare Advantage plans in Kansas City may be best suited to your healthcare needs, and explain how and when to enroll. Whether you’re newly eligible for Medicare or considering a switch, this article can arm you with the knowledge you need to make an informed choice about your Medicare Advantage coverage in Missouri.
Key Takeaways
- Some of the Medicare Advantage Plans in Kansas City, also known as Part C, could combine benefits of Medicare Parts A and B and may also include extra coverage like dental, vision, and hearing services, but some of these potential benefits may vary depending on the selected plan and private provider.
- Eligibility for Medicare Advantage Plans in Kansas City includes individuals aged 65 or older, those under 65 with certain disabilities, and people with ESRD or ALS, with enrolment in Medicare A and B as a prerequisite. There are specific enrollment periods such as Initial Coverage Election, Annual, and Special Enrollment Periods.
- In Kansas City, beneficiaries will likely be able to choose from a range of Medicare Advantage providers. When comparing plans, certain factors like the potential monthly premium, plan rules, and CMS performance ratings should be considered. Local resources like KC Shepherd’s Center and MO SHIP may also offer assistance with Medicare navigation.
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Understanding the Potential Medicare Advantage Plans in Kansas City
Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C, may act as an alternative to Original Medicare, potentially offering a convenient all-in-one solution. Some of these Medicare plans might combine all the benefits of Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) and may also include prescription drug coverage, potentially provide comprehensive coverage to Medicare beneficiaries.
Some of the benefits that might be offered by certain Medicare Advantage plans, however, could vary depending on the resident’s location in Kansas City and the specific plan they select.
Such variance in benefits might be due to certain plans being provided by Medicare-approved private insurance companies. These companies will likely have the liberty to offer additional benefits that may not be covered by Original Medicare, such as dental, vision, and hearing services.
This might add a touch of personalization and could allow Kansas City residents to choose a plan that best suits their medical and health needs.
Types of Medicare Advantage Plans in Kansas City
Kansas City residents can choose from four types of Medicare Advantage Plans, including:
- HMO
- PPO
- PFFS
- SNP
This provides them with a variety of options to suit their healthcare needs. While all these plans offer a comprehensive benefits package, each has its unique characteristics and rules regarding how beneficiaries receive services.
Health maintenance organizations (HMO) and PPO plans are the most popular types of Medicare Advantage plans in Kansas City. HMOs require beneficiaries to use a network of doctors and hospitals for their care, except in emergencies.
PPOs, on the other hand, provide more flexibility, allowing beneficiaries to use both in-network and out-of-network providers, although using in-network providers can result in lower out-of-pocket costs.
PFFS plans allow beneficiaries to receive care from any doctor or hospital that agrees to the plan’s terms of payment. Lastly, SNPs cater to individuals with specific health conditions or those who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, providing tailored benefits to meet their unique needs.
Possible Benefits Offered by Certain Kansas City Medicare Advantage Plans
One of the potential advantages of some of the Medicare Advantage plans in Kansas City is that they might offer additional benefits that may not be covered by Original Medicare. These may include:
- Coverage for dental care
- Coverage for vision care
- Coverage for hearing aids
For example, some of Anthem’s Medicare Advantage plans might offer Medicare Advantage coverage for Original Medicare out-of-pocket costs, and may even include additional benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing services.
This comprehensive coverage could potentially reduce certain out-of-pocket healthcare costs for beneficiaries, which might make Medicare Advantage Plans an attractive option for many Kansas City residents.
Eligibility and Enrollment for Medicare Advantage Plans in Kansas City
While Medicare Advantage Plans might offer a range of benefits, it’s essential to understand who is eligible for these plans and the enrollment periods.
Who is eligible for Medicare Advantage Plans in Kansas City:
- Individuals aged 65 or older
- Residents with certain disabilities under the age of 65
- Individuals who have received at least 24 Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board Disability Insurance payments
- People with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
However, enrollment in Medicare Part A and Part B is a prerequisite for joining a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Eligibility Criteria for Kansas City Medicare Advantage Plans
To be eligible for a Medicare Advantage Plan, individuals must be either seniors aged 65 and older or those under 65 with a qualifying disability. Individuals under 65 with disabilities are eligible for Medicare Advantage after receiving at least 24 Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) Disability Insurance payments.
Enrollment in both Medicare Part A and Part B is a prerequisite for joining a Medicare Advantage Plan. Medicare Advantage Plans also cover beneficiaries with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), providing them with additional options for healthcare coverage.
However, beneficiaries must reside in the plan’s service area to enroll in a particular Kansas City Medicare Advantage Plan.
Enrollment Periods for Kansas City Medicare Advantage Plans
Once you meet the eligibility criteria, it’s important to understand when you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan. The Initial Coverage Election Period includes the three months before an individual’s 65th birthday, the month of their birthday, and the three months following.
There is also an additional rule for individuals with a qualifying disability to enroll three months before or after their 25th month of receiving disability benefits.
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period occurs from October 15 to December 7 each year, allowing beneficiaries to select or change their Medicare Advantage Plan. A Special Enrollment Period is granted to Kansas City residents who experience specific life events such as losing their job or moving out of their plan’s service area, allowing them to make changes outside the standard enrollment times.
During the Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31, beneficiaries in Kansas City can switch between Medicare Advantage Plans or revert to Original Medicare.
To enroll, call one of our licensed agents at 1-833-641-4938 (TTY 711), Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm EST. They can provide comprehensive information, personalized guidance, and ongoing assistance to navigate the enrollment process for private insurance companies, making it easier for beneficiaries to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Comparing and Choosing Kansas City Medicare Advantage Plans
Since Kansas City residents will likely be offered a wide range of options, it’s crucial to compare plans to find one that best fits their health needs and budget.
When comparing plans, consider potential factors such as the average monthly premium, the plan rules, and the performance ratings. Understanding these factors could arm you with the necessary information to make an informed decision about your healthcare coverage.
Possible Factors to Consider When Comparing Kansas City Medicare Advantage Plans
One of the possible factors to consider when comparing Medicare Advantage Plans might be the average monthly premium.
Each Medicare Advantage Plan in Kansas City will likely have its own set of rules on how beneficiaries could receive potential benefits, including whether they need a referral to see a specialist or if they have to go to doctors, facilities, or suppliers that belong to the plan for non-emergency or non-urgent care.
Additionally, all plans will likely be rated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on a scale of one to five stars, based on factors such as performance and member satisfaction.
Tools and Resources for Comparing Kansas City Medicare Advantage Plans
Thankfully, there may also be several tools and resources available that could make the process of comparing Medicare Advantage Plans in Kansas City easier. By entering your zip code into any of the zip code boxes on this website, members can compare the details of available Medicare Advantage plans, including potential costs, coverage options, and plan performance ratings.
SelectQuote could also offer comparison services that may be specifically tailored for Kansas City residents, possibly giving them the ability to evaluate various Medicare Advantage Plans and find answers to their coverage questions.
Additionally, our licensed insurance agents can provide valuable in-person support by helping residents make sense of Medicare Advantage plan benefits and select the best plan according to their healthcare needs. You can contact them at 1-833-641-4938 (TTY 711), Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm EST.
Top Medicare Advantage Providers in Kansas City
To make health care more affordable, some of these plans might include reduced cost-sharing options, which could potentially make it easier for beneficiaries to manage their health care expenses. Additionally, beneficiaries could also take advantage of potential rewards and incentive programs that might be offered by certain Medicare Advantage Plans in Kansas City, which might encourage proactive health management.
Prominent Kansas City Medicare Advantage Providers
One of the prominent Medicare Advantage providers in Kansas City will likely be Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, which offers both HMO and PPO options through its Blue Medicare Advantage. The HMO products are operated by Blue-Advantage Plus of Kansas City, Inc., while their PPO products are offered by Missouri Valley Life and Health Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City.
It’s important to note that enrollment in certain Blue Medicare Advantage plans might be subject to annual contract renewals, possibly highlighting the importance of checking for continued availability each year. To enroll, call 1-833-641-4938 (TTY 711), Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm EST.
Kansas City Medicare Advantage Plan Ratings
A majority of the Medicare Advantage plans in Kansas City will likely be rated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on criteria such as quality of care and customer service. These ratings, ranging from one to five stars, could provide a valuable tool for beneficiaries when comparing and choosing plans.
UnitedHealthcare could provide five-star rated Medicare Advantage plans in Kansas, which may include:
- Erickson Advantage Freedom (HMO-POS)
- Erickson Advantage Liberty (HMO-POS)
- Erickson Advantage Liberty no Rx (HMO-POS)
- Erickson Advantage Signature (HMO-POS)
Additionally, some of the AARP Medicare Advantage plans available in Kansas City may have received a 4-star rating from CMS. Some of the potential options might include:
- AARP Medicare Advantage Choice Plan 2 (PPO)
- AARP Medicare Advantage Choice (PPO)
- AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot (HMO-POS)
- AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot (PPO)
- AARP Medicare Advantage Choice Plan 1 (PPO)
Local Resources for Kansas City Medicare Beneficiaries
Kansas City Medicare beneficiaries may be able to access local resources that could assist them in navigating their Medicare coverage. For example, the KC Shepherd’s Center and Missouri State Health Insurance Program (MO SHIP) might provide Medicare counseling to beneficiaries in Kansas City, potentially offering support such as enrollment assistance and insurance policy guidance.
Additionally, there will likely be several programs in Kansas that could provide assistance and support to seniors with Medicare-related questions and insurance needs. Some of the programs might include:
- Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) program: This program could offer answers to Medicare-related questions and may help seniors select insurance plans.
- Kansas Area Agencies on Aging: These agencies will likely provide information and options counseling specifically tailored to Medicare, which could help seniors make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage.
- Kansas Medicare Savings Program: This program could assist seniors with certain out-of-pocket insurance costs such as premiums, deductibles, and copayments.
These programs will likely be designed to help seniors navigate the complexities of Medicare and possibly ensure they have access to the healthcare coverage they need.
For further assistance, Kansas City residents can receive help with Medicare questions and coverage comparisons by calling one of our licensed agents at 1-833-641-4938.
Kansas Senior Medicare Patrol
The Kansas Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) could play a critical role in preventing Medicare fraud and abuse. Some of the activities of the Kansas SMP may include:
- Educating recipients on how to protect against identity theft and healthcare fraud
- Providing training for volunteers
- Conducting outreach and education through presentations and individual sessions to address potential Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse
SMP is a volunteer-based program that might seek civically engaged individuals to help safeguard the health and finances of older citizens, which could also contribute to saving Medicare funds. Volunteers may be able to provide essential services like:
- Administrative support
- Information distribution
- Exhibit staffing
- Group presentations
- Individual counseling
- Managing complaints and referrals
When beneficiaries suspect Medicare fraud or errors, SMP could aid in filing complaints and refer these issues to appropriate state and federal agencies for further investigation.
Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services
The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) may also offer information and FAQs that could assist Kansas City residents in gaining a thorough understanding of their Medicare coverage options. This resource will likely aim to provide clarity on the available choices and support informed decision-making.
KDADS might administer the Senior Care Act, which could offer services such as:
- Attendant care
- Care management
- Homemaker services
- Respite care
Some of these services, supported by the federal government, could be available to Medicare beneficiaries in need of additional support, possibly ensuring they could receive their Medicare benefits.
Summary
Some of the Medicare Advantage Plans in Kansas City could offer a comprehensive suite of benefits that might not only combine the benefits of Original Medicare but may also provide additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing services. With a variety of plan options available, beneficiaries will likely have the flexibility to choose a plan that best fits their healthcare needs and budget.
Whether you’re a senior citizen, an individual with a qualifying disability, or someone looking for more comprehensive coverage than what Original Medicare could offer, some of the Medicare Advantage Plans in Kansas City could be an excellent choice for you. Eligibility criteria and enrollment periods are clearly defined, and with a plethora of local resources available, Kansas City residents could be well-equipped to navigate their Medicare coverage options.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ What is the most highly rated Medicare Advantage Plan?
The most highly rated Medicare Advantage plan will likely depend on the beneficiary’s healthcare needs. It’s important to carefully review the options to find the one that could best meet their specific needs.
→ What are the advantages of a Medicare Advantage Plan?
Some of the Medicare Advantage plans will likely offer a broad range of networks, which might lead to reduced costs for out-of-network care. This might be an excellent advantage for those who may require out-of-state coverage or live in rural areas with limited networks.
→ Is Medicare Advantage cheaper than Medicare?
Some of the Medicare Advantage plans might be cheaper than Original Medicare, as many Medicare Advantage plans could offer affordable monthly plan premiums, unlike the fixed Medicare Part B premium. So, depending on your income and the plan’s features, it may be a cost-effective option.
→ What is the alternative to a Medicare Advantage Plan?
The alternative to a Medicare Advantage Plan could be a Medigap plan, also called Medicare Supplement Insurance, which could help cover certain out-of-pocket costs that may not be paid by Original Medicare. This policy will likely be a supplement to Original Medicare coverage and might not offer additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing.
→ What are the types of Medicare Advantage Plans available in Kansas City?
In Kansas City, residents can choose from four types of Medicare Advantage Plans: Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS), and Special Needs Plans (SNP). This gives you a range of options to consider when selecting a plan.
ZRN Health & Financial Services, LLC, a Texas limited liability company
Russell Noga is the CEO of ZRN Health & Financial Services, and head content editor of several Medicare insurance online publications. He has over 15 years of experience as a licensed Medicare insurance broker helping Medicare beneficiaries learn about Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medigap insurance, and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.