If you want more robust coverage than you get with Original Medicare plus Medigap, consider joining a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. In 2023, over 30 million people had Medicare Part C (commonly known as Medicare Advantage). This page describes Medicare Advantage plans in New Hampshire and explains how to compare your options.

What is Medicare Advantage in New Hampshire?

Medicare Advantage plans must provide the same coverage you get with Original Medicare (Part A, hospital insurance, and Part B, medical insurance). They are not limited to those benefits, though. Around 90 percent of New Hampshire Medicare Advantage plans provide additional coverage, such as prescription drugs and fitness programs.

New Hampshire Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage

Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans (MA-PD) combine your Original Medicare benefits with Part D coverage.

Not all MA plans offer prescription benefits. If you choose one of these plans, you need to join a standalone Medicare Part D plan if you don't have creditable drug coverage elsewhere. (Creditable means benefits and costs that are similar to Medicare Part D.)

Who qualifies for Medicare Advantage in New Hampshire?

If you have both Medicare Part A and Part B, you qualify for Medicare Advantage in New Hampshire.

American citizens and permanent legal residents age 65 and older are eligible for Medicare. You may also qualify for Medicare before turning 65 if you collect Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) or Social Security disability benefits for 24 months.

When can you sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan in New Hampshire?

There are five Medicare Advantage enrollment periods in New Hampshire.

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) begins 3 months before your eligibility month and lasts for 7 months. So, if your birthday or 25th month of disability is in May, your IEP begins on February 1 and ends on August 31.

If you did not sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B during your IEP, you may do so from January 1 through March 31 during the General Enrollment Period. You then have from April 1 until June 30 to join an MA or MA-PD plan.

Current Medicare beneficiaries may sign up for an Advantage plan at any time during Medicare Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 through December 7.

If you already have Medicare Part C, you may switch to a new plan during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 through March 31. You may make the move back to Original Medicare during Open Enrollment.

Finally, you can join a Medicare Advantage plan during a Special Enrollment Period if you experience certain life changes. The full list of qualifying special circumstances is on Medicare.gov.

Types of Medicare Advantage plans in New Hampshire

The four main types of Medicare Advantage plans in New Hampshire are:

  • Health maintenance organizations (HMOs)
  • Preferred provider networks (PPOs)
  • Private fee-for-service plans (PFFS)
  • Special needs plans (SNPs)

Private insurance companies provide Medicare Advantage, which means that each plan has its own guidelines and restrictions. Check the individual plan's details to see benefits and costs.

How to choose a Medicare Advantage plan in New Hampshire

To find the best Medicare Advantage plan for your particular needs and budget, consider the following items:

  • Costs
  • Coverage (including the drug formulary of an MA-PD plan)
  • Network
  • Ratings

Our Find a Plan tool makes it easy to compare Medicare Advantage plans in New Hampshire. Just enter your location information and coverage start date to begin reviewing Medicare plan options in your area.

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