Who it's for
- People with Medicare Part A and Part B who want one plan instead of several
- Anyone who wants predictable copays and a yearly limit on out-of-pocket costs
- People who value extra benefits some plans include, such as dental, vision or hearing coverage
- Those comfortable using a plan's network of doctors and hospitals
What it covers
- Everything Original Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) covers
- Prescription drug coverage in most plans (often called MAPD plans)
- A yearly out-of-pocket maximum for covered in-network services
- Extra benefits that vary by plan, such as routine dental, vision, hearing and fitness programs
How Medicare Advantage works
When you join a Medicare Advantage plan, you still have Medicare. You keep paying your Part B premium (unless someone else, such as Medicaid, pays it for you), and the private plan takes over paying your claims. Each plan sets its own copays, deductibles and network, so two plans that look alike on paper can work very differently in real life.
Most plans in Greater New Orleans are HMOs or PPOs. An HMO usually asks you to use doctors in its network and may require a referral to see a specialist. A PPO lets you see out-of-network providers, typically at a higher cost. Some plans charge a $0 monthly premium, but you'll still pay copays when you use care — so the premium is only one part of the picture.
What we compare for you
The best plan for your neighbor may not be the best plan for you. When we sit down together, we look at:
- Your doctors and hospitals — we check that the physicians and facilities you rely on are in the plan's network.
- Your prescriptions — we look up each medicine on the plan's drug list (formulary), including its tier and estimated cost.
- Your total costs — premium, deductibles, copays and the out-of-pocket maximum, not just the monthly price.
- Your pharmacy — preferred pharmacies can lower your drug copays.
- Extra benefits you'll actually use — dental, vision, hearing aids or over-the-counter allowances, when a plan offers them.
When you can join or switch
You can join a Medicare Advantage plan when you first become eligible for Medicare (your Initial Enrollment Period), and each fall during the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 to December 7. If you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31 lets you make one change. Certain life events — like moving, losing other coverage or qualifying for Extra Help — may give you a Special Enrollment Period.
Happy with your plan?
Plans can change their costs, networks and drug lists every year. If you're happy after reading your Annual Notice of Change, you don't need to do anything — your plan renews automatically. If something changed that worries you, call us for a review.
Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement?
This is one of the most common questions people ask. Medicare Advantage often has lower monthly premiums and may include extra benefits, but you pay copays as you use care and generally stay within a network. A Medicare Supplement plan works alongside Original Medicare, lets you see any provider that accepts Medicare, and usually has a higher monthly premium but fewer bills when you get care. There's no single right answer — it depends on your health, your doctors and how you like to budget.
How we help, at no cost to you
We're licensed agents based in Greater New Orleans, and we're paid by the insurance companies — never by you. The plan premium is the same whether you enroll with us or on your own. What you get with us is a real person who explains your options in plain English or Spanish, helps with enrollment, and stays available when you have questions about a bill or need to change plans.
Carriers we work with
We are appointed with the following companies for Medicare Advantage in Louisiana. Plan availability varies by parish.
- Humana
- Peoples Health
- UnitedHealthcare
- Devoted Health
Company names are shown for identification only. We do not offer every plan available in your area.
Common questions about Medicare Advantage
Do I still pay my Part B premium with a Medicare Advantage plan?
Yes. With almost every Medicare Advantage plan you continue paying your Part B premium, plus any premium the plan charges. Some plans include a Part B premium reduction, sometimes called a “giveback.” We'll point those out if they fit your needs.
Can I keep my doctor?
Often, yes — but it depends on the plan. Before you enroll, we check whether your doctors and preferred hospitals are in the plan's network so there are no surprises.
Are $0 premium plans really $0?
The monthly plan premium can be $0, but you'll still have copays or coinsurance when you get care, and you'll keep paying your Part B premium. We help you estimate your total yearly costs, not just the premium.
Which Medicare Advantage companies do you work with?
You can see the companies we represent in Louisiana under “Carriers we work with” on this page. Plan availability varies by parish, and we only recommend a plan that fits your situation.
What if I travel or spend time out of state?
Many HMO plans cover only emergency and urgent care outside the plan's service area. If you travel often, a PPO or a Medicare Supplement may be a better fit. Let's talk through your plans.
