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Medicare

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

An all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare that often includes additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing — sometimes at $0 additional premium. Let us help you compare your options.

Eligibility & Enrollment

Part C, known as Medicare Advantage, is an alternative to Original Medicare that offers additional benefits and can decrease your overall healthcare costs.

To be eligible, you must first be enrolled in — or eligible to enroll in — Medicare Part A and Part B. If you ever drop Part B coverage, your Medicare Advantage Plan will be cancelled.

There are four enrollment periods during which you can elect to add a Medicare Advantage Plan. Your Bancorp agent will help you identify the right window for your situation.

4 Enrollment Periods

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
The 7-month window around your 65th birthday. Your first opportunity to enroll.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
October 15 – December 7. Switch or drop your Medicare Advantage plan each year.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (OEP)
January 1 – March 31. Switch MA plans or return to Original Medicare once.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
Triggered by qualifying life events — moving, losing other coverage, qualifying for Medicaid, and more.

Benefits & Coverage

Medicare Advantage plans are required to provide the same coverage as Original Medicare — but most go significantly further.

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Hospital Coverage
Part A hospital inpatient care — required on all MA plans
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Medical Coverage
Part B outpatient and physician care — required on all MA plans
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Prescription Drugs
Most MA plans include Part D drug coverage (MAPD)
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Dental
Many plans include routine dental not covered by Original Medicare
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Vision
Routine eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lens allowances
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Hearing
Hearing exams and hearing aid benefits available on many plans

Benefits vary by plan. Talk to your Bancorp Insurance agent about the specific coverages for the plans you are considering.

Types of Medicare Advantage Plans

There are five kinds of Medicare Advantage Plans. While they all function similarly, there are key differences in structure, network access, and pricing.

HMO — Health Maintenance Organization

Limits coverage to healthcare providers in their network. Generally requires a primary care physician and referrals. Lower premiums in exchange for network restrictions. Out-of-network care typically not covered except emergencies.

PPO — Preferred Provider Organization

More flexibility — no referrals or primary care physician required. You can see in-network or out-of-network providers, though in-network care costs less. Wider geographic coverage than HMOs.

PFFS — Private Fee-for-Service

You can see any provider who agrees to the plan’s payment terms. The plan determines how much providers are paid and how much you pay. No network restrictions if the provider accepts the plan’s terms.

MSA — Medical Savings Account

Combines a high-deductible plan with a bank savings account. The plan deposits money into your account to help meet the deductible. You must meet the full deductible before coverage begins.

SNP — Special Needs Plan

Designed for specific individuals: D-SNP for those eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid; C-SNP for those with specific chronic conditions; I-SNP for those living in long-term care facilities for 90+ days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare Advantage cost more than Original Medicare?
Not necessarily. Many Medicare Advantage plans have $0 monthly premium (you still pay your Part B premium). The trade-off is network restrictions and cost-sharing at the time of service. For many beneficiaries, the additional benefits — dental, vision, drug coverage — at a low or no additional cost make Medicare Advantage an attractive option.
Can I have both Medicare Advantage and a Medicare Supplement?
No. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are designed to work with Original Medicare, not Medicare Advantage. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you cannot use a Medigap policy. You must choose one path or the other — your Bancorp agent can help you evaluate which is better for your situation.
What happens if I need to see a doctor outside the plan’s network?
It depends on your plan type. HMO plans generally do not cover out-of-network care except in emergencies. PPO plans cover out-of-network providers at a higher cost share. PFFS plans cover any provider who accepts the plan’s terms. Understanding network restrictions is one of the most important factors when choosing a plan.
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare?
Yes. During the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31), you can disenroll from a Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare. Be aware that switching to a Medigap plan later may involve medical underwriting in most states.
How many Medicare Advantage plans are available in my area?
Plan availability varies significantly by county. Bancorp Insurance represents 7 companies in Deschutes, Klamath, and Lake County for Medicare Advantage Plans. For a complete list of all plans available in your zip code, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Your Bancorp agent can also run a full comparison for your area.

What Our Clients Say

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Compare Medicare Advantage Plans Today

Appointments are available at no charge and no obligation to enroll. Let us run a full comparison of the plans available in your area.

NOT AFFILIATED WITH OR ENDORSED BY THE GOVERNMENT OR FEDERAL MEDICARE PROGRAM.

Bancorp Insurance represents 7 companies in Deschutes, Klamath, and Lake County for Medicare Advantage Plans. For additional information about Prescription Drug and Medicare Supplement Plans, please make an appointment with an agent. For a list of all options in your area, you may also visit Medicare.gov, Healthcare.gov or shiphelp.org, or call 1 800 MEDICARE.

(TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov.

Please note that each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its products. Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S Government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance A licensed insurance agent/producer may contact you.