What Is Medicare in Louisiana?

Also known asMedicare Part C, Medicare Advantage plans must provide the same coverage as Original Medicare (Part A, hospital insurance, and Part B, medical insurance). However, they may also provide additional benefits, such as prescription drug coverage and fitness programs.

Louisiana Medicare Advantage Plans with Prescription Drug Coverage

You can get your Original Medicare benefits plus Part D coverage with a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan (MA-PD). If you choose an MA plan that does not cover prescription medications, you'll need a standalone Medicare Part D plan.

Who Is Eligible for Medicare Advantage in Louisiana?

You are eligible for Medicare Advantage in Louisiana as soon as you have both Medicare Part A and Part B. American citizens and permanent legal residents age 65 and older qualify for Medicare.

You may be eligible for Medicare before turning 65 if you collect Social Security disability benefits for 24 months.

When Can You Sign Up for a Medicare Advantage Plan in Louisiana?

There are five main Medicare Advantage enrollment periods in Louisiana.

The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) begins 3 months before your eligibility month and lasts for 7 full months. So, if your birthday or 25th month of disability occurs in April, your IEP begins on January 1 and ends on July 31.

If you don't sign up for Part A and/or Part B during your IEP, you may do so during the General Enrollment Period from January 1 through March 31. Once it ends, you have from April 1 through June 30 to join an Advantage plan.

Medicare Annual Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7. You may join an Advantage plan at any point during Annual Enrollment.

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 through March 31 is only for people who are currently enrolled in an Advantage plan. If this describes you, you can use this window to switch to a new MA plan or return to Original Medicare.

Special Enrollment Periods let you change your Medicare plan if you experience certain life changes, like moving. The full list of qualifying circumstances is on Medicare.gov.

Types of Medicare Advantage Plans in Louisiana

There are four main types of Medicare Advantage plans in Louisiana. They 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 plans. Check the individual plan to see what it covers.

How to Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan in Louisiana

To find the best Medicare Advantage plan for your unique situation, look at the following metrics:

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