Many residents participate in a Montana Medicare Advantage plan. For example, in Billings, 19,739 residents participate; this number is 6,260 in Great Falls and 21,427 in Missoula.
Medicare Advantage plans in Montana
Medicare Advantage Plans work differently than traditional Medicare plans. Some plans offer prescription drug coverage, and some plans don’t. Private insurance companies offer Medicare Part C plans, meaning you leave the federal government when enrolling in these plans.
These plans vary across every carrier, and knowing the benefits of each plan remains a top priority. For example, 27 Medicare Advantage plans exist in Montana alone.
Medicare Advantage plans available
Unlike traditional Medicare or Medigap plans, the government does not standardize Medicare Advantage plans. Additionally, the premiums and deductibles of these plans vary by region.
In this guide, we’re exploring different Medicare Part C plans available in Montana. We’ll examine plans with a zero-dollar premium, zero-dollar deductible plans, and more.
Medicare Advantage plans with a zero-dollar premium
Bear in mind that zero-dollar premium plans have higher deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. Therefore, before choosing your plan, take into account all relevant costs.
The first plan we’ll look at is Humana. Humana is a Local PPO meaning it has a narrow service area. This four-star plan has a MOOP (maximum out-of-pocket) rate of $4,400.
PacificSource is an HMO with a MOOP rate of $3,500. The main difference between an HMO and a PPO is that an HMO restricts you to choosing a health care provider within your network. A PPO, however, allows patients to explore outside their network.
Residents may also choose BCBS of Montana. BCBS of Montana is a Local PPO with a MOOP rate of $4,400.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PLAN TYPE | STAR RATING |
| Humana | $0 | $4,400 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
| PacificSource | $0 | $3,500 | HMO | 4 |
| BCBS of Montana | $0 | $4,400 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
| PacificSource | $0 | $5,200 | HMOPOS | 4 |
MA plans with a zero-dollar drug deductible
Montana residents may choose BCBS of Montana for a Medicare Part C plan with a zero-dollar drug deductible. This Local PPO plan carries a premium of $131 with a MOOP rate of $3,900.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PLAN TYPE | STAR RATING |
| BCBS of Montana | $131.00 | $3,900 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
Medicare Advantage plans With a Part B reduction
It’s important to remember that Montana Medicare Advantage plans with a Part B reduction vary between regions. In addition, not every ZIP code offers these types of plans, even if they’re available within the state.
Humana is a four-star plan with a MOOP rate of $6,700. This plan also carries a zero-dollar premium with a $40 Part B reduction.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PART B REDUCTION | STAR RATING |
| Humana | $0 | $6,700 | $40.00 | 4 |
Ancillary/DVH
Residents elect to enroll in a Montana Medicare Advantage plan because of additional benefits not covered under Medigap and Original Medicare.
For example, Medicare Advantage plans offer prescription drugs and vision, dental, and hearing benefits.
Estimated Medicare Advantage premiums in Montana cities
Estimated premiums for Medicare Advantage plans for the cities below can be accessed via the accompanying charts linked below:
FAQs
Are Medicare Advantage plans available in Montana?
Yes, currently, 27 Montana Medicare Advantage plans exist.
However, the availability of these plans depends on your county. So while 27 plans exist, your ZIP code might have fewer. For example, Missoula has 18 Medicare Advantage plans available.
Does Medicare Advantage go up every year in Montana?
Medicare Advantage plans may change details such as overall cost or certain annual benefits. These changes typically only happen once a year, and enrollees get notified in advance of any changes.
Premium deductibles generally don’t change much yearly, giving you peace of mind.
Why do some areas in Montana not have Medicare Advantage plans?
Rural areas are the most prone to not having Medicare Advantage plans. One explanation might be that Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) providers are withdrawing from these areas.
Can you cancel a Medicare Advantage plan at any time in Montana?
Mostly, residents may only change their Medicare Advantage plan during Montana’s two open enrollment periods — October 15 to December 7 and January 1 to March 31.
However, it’s possible to change your plan under exceptional circumstances. For example, if your plan withdraws from your area or you move to a new location without your pre-existing plan, it might be possible to switch plans.
You can also join five-star plans anytime (besides the first week of December).
What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
A few differences exist between an Original Medicare and a Medicare Part C plan. For starters, a traditional Medicare plan goes through the federal government, while Medicare Advantage plans get provided through private insurers.
The other difference is that a Medicare Advantage plan is more encompassing, offering several other benefits. For example, with Original Medicare, residents often need to enroll in supplemental plans to cover gaps, such as a standalone Part D plan to cover their prescriptions.
How to get help enrolling in a Montana Medicare Advantage plan
Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan offers many benefits not covered by Original Medicare. Instead of trying to navigate through all 27 Medicare plans available in Montana, turning to our team is your best bet.
Our friendly and professional staff is well-equipped to help pair you with the right plan that meets your medical needs and budget.
Whether you’ve already explored the options available in your area, want to narrow your choices down, or don’t know where to start, our team is just one call away.
Our free service will help pair you with the right plan. So call us today or fill out our online rate form to receive the best rates in your area of Montana.
