Almost 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Idaho enroll in Medicare Advantage plans. A Medicare Advantage plan allows beneficiaries to obtain extended coverage without high healthcare costs.
In this article, we will review the Idaho Medicare Advantage plans currently available.
How Medicare Advantage plans work in Idaho
Medicare is a valuable program for American citizens, but it has significant gaps in coverage. Beneficiaries who wish to protect themselves more effectively from rising costs should consider Medicare Advantage plans.
Private insurance companies manage these plans, so their benefits differ from provider to provider. In addition, beneficiaries who enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan receive their Original Medicare benefits from the insurance company rather than the federal government.
Medicare Advantage plans offerings in Idaho
The government does not standardize Medicare Advantage plans like Original Medicare and Medigap insurance policies. Consequently, benefits may vary based on multiple factors. The figures below represent a specific area of Idaho, so your results may vary according to where you live.
This section examines some of the choices available to Idaho beneficiaries for Medicare Advantage plans. Research carefully before selecting a plan since some have unique benefits or quirks.
Medicare Advantage plans with a zero-dollar premium in Idaho
Zero-dollar-premium plans may sound tempting, but there are also various factors to consider. Generally, plans with zero-dollar premiums leave enrollees with higher out-of-pocket costs. Although these plans may provide monthly savings, planning for lump sum costs is crucial.
Health plan members in Idaho can select Humana as their plan provider, and their Medicare Advantage plan has no premium and a modest MOOP (maximum out-of-pocket) of $5,500. The program also earns a four-star rating for overall effectiveness.
Additionally, Idaho residents can join Molina Healthcare (HMO). Even though it comes with a three-star rating and a zero-dollar monthly premium, the MOOP is more expensive than some competitors. Nonetheless, this plan remains a good choice even with the slightly higher MOOP of $5,000.
Regence Local PPO plan provides solid coverage at a reasonable price. Regence is an excellent alternative to HMOs for Idaho beneficiaries as it limits out-of-pocket expenses to $5,500 and doesn’t require a monthly premium.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PLAN TYPE | STAR RATINGS |
| Medigold | $0 | $3,900 | HMO | N/A |
| Humana | $0 | $5,500 | HMO | 4 |
| Blue Cross of Idaho | $0 | $6,200 | HMO | 4 |
| Regence | $0 | $5,500 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
| Molina Healthcare | $0 | $5,000 | HMO | 3 |
Medicare Advantage plans with a zero-dollar drug deductible in Idaho
MediGold’s Medicare Advantage plan in Idaho is the most affordable, with zero drug deductible. Although it offers the lowest MOOP of $4,500, this plan does not have a star rating and includes a monthly premium of $29.
Another excellent option is PacificSource’s Idaho plan. It has a four-star rating and a zero-dollar premium. Due to its $5,150 MOOP, it’s also affordable for Idaho beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries of Idaho can also consider Aetna’s plan. This plan has a reasonable MOOP of $5,500 and zero premiums. It also has a three-star rating, so it’s a solid choice for beneficiaries.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PLAN TYPE | STAR RATINGS |
| PacificSource | $0 | $5,150 | HMO | 4 |
| Aetna | $0 | $5,500 | HMO-POS | 3 |
| MediGold | $0 | $5,500 | HMO | N/A |
| Aetna | $0 | $5,200 | HMO-POS | 3 |
| MediGold | $29.00 | $4,500 | HMO | N/A |
Medicare Advantage plans with a 5-star rating in Idaho
If a beneficiary chooses a five-star plan, they may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period for Idaho Medicare Advantage plans. It simplifies the enrollment process, so it’s something to consider when deciding.
In Idaho, SelectHealth offers the only five-star Medicare Part C plan available to beneficiaries in the state. As a result of this perfect score, plan enrollees can expect the highest level of support and protection.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PLAN TYPE | STAR RATINGS |
| SelectHealth | $0 | $6,700 | HMO | 5 |
Medicare Advantage plans with a Part B reduction in Idaho
The following health plans offer the opportunity to save significant money by utilizing the Part B discount. Unfortunately, the Part B reduction benefit is not available in every area.
With , you will receive the highest Part B discount in the state. This plan is cost-effective, with a $50 reduction and a $5,400 MOOP.
Blue Cross of Idaho’s plan also offers a reduced Part B premium. With a $30 reduction, beneficiaries with limited budgets can still reap benefits.
Humana’s plan offers a $10 reimbursement benefit. Despite the relatively low reduction, the plan’s four-star rating and a MOOP of $5,000 make it worth considering for beneficiaries searching for Idaho Medicare Advantage plans.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PART B REDUCTION | STAR RATINGS |
| Blue Cross of Idaho | $0 | $6,200 | $30.00 | 4 |
| Humana | $0 | $5,000 | $10.00 | 4 |
| Aetna | $0 | $5,000 | $25.00 | 3 |
| $0 | $5,400 | $50.00 | 4 |
Ancillary/DVH
Medicare Advantage plans may also offer cover dental, vision, and prescription services for their beneficiaries, which is a significant benefit. Although Original Medicare and Medigap don’t cover this type of treatment, they are vital to maintaining health.
Because of this unique characteristic, many Medicare beneficiaries select Medicare Advantage plans as supplemental coverage.
Cities in Idaho with estimated premiums for Medicare Advantage plans
FAQs
What are the four types of Medicare Advantage plans in Idaho?
Medicare Part C plans are available in Idaho in four different ways. Beneficiaries can choose an HMO, PPO, PFFS, or Special Needs Plan (SNP) based on their healthcare needs.
Is Medicare Advantage based on your income in Idaho?
No, premiums and costs for Medicare Advantage plans don’t depend on your income. Rather, Medicare Advantage costs vary based on location and insurance carrier.
Who qualifies for Medicare Advantage in Idaho?
Generally, if you qualify for Original Medicare, you also qualify for Medicare Advantage. Therefore, if you receive Social Security benefits, you’re likely eligible.
Do Medicare Advantage plans cover prescription drugs in Idaho?
One of the most significant benefits of Medicare Advantage plans is coverage for prescription drugs, although not all programs provide it.
Medicare Advantage plans that offer prescription coverage are called MAPD (Medicare Advantage with prescription drug plans) plans.
When can I enroll in Medicare Advantage in Idaho?
The three months before and after your enrollment in Original Medicare make up your Initial Enrollment Period.
This is the ideal time to sign up for Medicare Advantage, but beneficiaries have another chance during the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 annually.
How to get help enrolling in an Idaho Medicare Advantage plan
Choosing a Medicare plan in Idaho can be stressful and complex, but we can help. Our licensed agents work closely with all providers to provide Idaho beneficiaries with the best Medigap coverage.
Our agents can assist Medicare beneficiaries in choosing the best Idaho Medicare plans. So contact us via phone today, or fill out our convenient online rate form to receive the best rates in your area.
