Medicare Advantage Plans in Cherokee County, AL:
Your Complete 2025 Guide
Discover 32 Medicare Advantage plans in Cherokee County for 2025. These plans combine your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits into one convenient plan, and may offer additional benefits such as dental, hearing and/or vision and/or fitness. There may not be a plan in your area that has all of these benefits in one plan.
Types of Medicare Advantage Plans in Cherokee County, AL
With 32 Medicare Advantage plans available in Cherokee County for 2025, you have a range of options to choose from. However, there are no 5-star plans available this year. Here’s a breakdown of your choices:
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans: These plans (15 available) offer flexibility with out-of-network care at a higher cost. The average monthly premium for these plans is $19.21.
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans: These plans (12 available) require in-network care and generally have lower costs. The average monthly premium for these plans is $14.58.
- HMO Point-of-Service (HMO-POS) Plans: These plans (4 available) blend HMO and PPO features, allowing some out-of-network care. The average monthly premium for these plans is $8.00.
- Special Needs Plans (SNP): These are highly specialized Medicare Advantage plans for individuals with special healthcare needs. We organize these plans here: Medicare Special Needs Plans in Cherokee County, AL.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Medicare Advantage Plans
With Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans, you have the freedom to visit both in-network and out-of-network providers. These plans may have higher costs for out-of-network services but offer more flexibility than other plan types, making them a good fit for those who value provider choice.
Medicare Advantage PPO Plan Options
| Plan Name | Rating* | Premium/Mo | MOOP | Rx Ded. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna Medicare Eagle | $0 | $7,900 | N/A | |
| Aetna Medicare Freedom | $0 | $7,900 | $590 | |
| Aetna Medicare Value Plus | $10 | $9,350 | $590 | |
| Blue Advantage Choice | $0 | $5,500 | $440 | |
| Blue Advantage Complete | $30 | $5,100 | $0 | |
| Blue Advantage Premier | $153 | $2,900 | $0 | |
| Humana USAA Honor Giveback | $0 | $4,150 | N/A | |
| HumanaChoice H5216-368 | $10 | $3,000 | $590 | |
| HumanaChoice R0110-017 | $0 | $4,850 | N/A | |
| HumanaChoice R0110-018 | $86 | $6,700 | $590 | |
| Cigna True Choice Access Medicare | $0 | $5,800 | $0 | |
| Cigna True Choice Medicare | $0 | $4,600 | $0 | |
| Devoted CHOICE Alabama | $0 | $6,200 | $590 | |
| Devoted CHOICE GIVEBACK Alabama | $0 | $7,900 | $590 | |
| Devoted LIBERTY CHOICE Alabama | $0 | $7,900 | N/A | |
| * Every year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. | ||||
- Out-of-Network Costs: PPO plans allow you to see out-of-network providers, but this flexibility often comes with higher costs. Be sure to evaluate how much extra you'll need to pay if you prefer to see providers outside of the plan's network.
- Provider Network: Make sure your preferred doctors and specialists are in the plan's network to keep your costs lower. If you value the ability to choose providers freely, confirm the plan's network coverage meets your needs.
- Premiums and Out-of-Pocket Maximums: Compare the monthly premiums and out-of-pocket maximums across plans. Higher premiums might offer more coverage, but consider whether the additional benefits justify the cost for your situation.
- Additional Benefits: Many PPO plans offer extras like dental, vision, and/or fitness programs. Assess which additional benefits matter most to you and how they align with your healthcare needs. There may not be a plan in your area that has all of these benefits in one plan.
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Medicare Advantage Plans
With Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans, you typically need to stay within the plan's network of doctors and hospitals. In return, these plans usually offer lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious enrollees.
Medicare Advantage HMO Plan Options
| Plan Name | Rating* | Premium/Mo | MOOP | Rx Ded. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Courage Medicare | $0 | $5,750 | N/A | |
| Cigna Preferred AL Medicare | $0 | $8,850 | $0 | |
| Cigna Preferred Full Savings Medicare | $0 | $5,750 | $0 | |
| Cigna Preferred Medicare | $0 | $4,750 | $0 | |
| Cigna Preferred Plus Medicare | $19 | $4,750 | $0 | |
| VIVA Medicare Plus | $0 | $9,350 | $300 | |
| VIVA Medicare Premier | $103 | $6,500 | $100 | |
| VIVA Medicare Prime | $53 | $7,500 | $200 | |
| VIVA Medicare Select | $0 | $9,350 | N/A | |
| Devoted CORE Alabama | $0 | $5,500 | $590 | |
| Devoted GIVEBACK Alabama | $0 | $6,750 | $590 | |
| Humana Gold Plus H5619-089 | $0 | $6,100 | $590 | |
| * Every year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. | ||||
- In-Network Care: HMO plans generally require you to use in-network providers for all non-emergency care. Be sure to verify that your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals are in the plan’s network before enrolling.
- Primary Care Referrals: Many HMO plans require you to get a referral from your primary care doctor before seeing a specialist. Make sure you’re comfortable with this system of care coordination.
- Lower Costs: HMO plans typically offer lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs compared to other plan types, making them an attractive option for those who prioritize cost savings.
- Additional Benefits: Some HMO plans include extra benefits like dental, vision, and/or fitness programs. Consider which additional benefits are most important to you when comparing plans. There may not be a plan in your area that has all of these benefits in one plan.
HMO Point-of-Service (HMO-POS) Medicare Advantage Plans
HMO Point-of-Service (HMO-POS) plans combine features of both HMO and PPO plans. You’ll have the flexibility to see out-of-network providers, but at a higher cost than in-network care. This can be a good option if you want the cost savings of an HMO but still want some freedom to go out-of-network when needed.
Medicare Advantage HMO-POS Plan Options
| Plan Name | Rating* | Premium/Mo | MOOP | Rx Ded. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC AL-0003 | $0 | $5,400 | $340 | |
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC AL-0001 | $0 | $5,900 | $420 | |
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC AL-0002 | $32 | $4,500 | $340 | |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx AL-MA01 | $0 | $5,900 | N/A | |
| * Every year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. | ||||
- Out-of-Network Costs: While HMO-POS plans allow you to see out-of-network providers, this flexibility comes at a higher cost. Be sure to evaluate how much more you'll need to pay for out-of-network care.
- In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Care: Compare the in-network and out-of-network options available under the plan. If you frequently seek care outside the network, consider whether the additional costs are worth the flexibility.
- Referral Requirements: Like traditional HMO plans, HMO-POS plans often require a referral from your primary care doctor to see specialists. Make sure you’re comfortable with this requirement.
- Additional Benefits: Many HMO-POS plans offer extra benefits such as dental, vision, and/or fitness programs. Consider which additional benefits are important to you when comparing plans. There may not be a plan in your area that has all of these benefits in one plan
How and When to Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan
Choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan in Cherokee County requires knowing the right time to enroll. Whether it’s your first time enrolling in Medicare or you’re switching plans, understanding the different enrollment periods will help you get the right coverage for your health needs.
When to Enroll
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Enroll in Medicare during this period, which starts three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after. This is your first opportunity to select a Medicare Advantage plan. Learn more
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): From January 1 to March 31, you can switch your current Medicare Advantage plan to a new one or return to Original Medicare if your current plan no longer suits you. Learn more
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Occurring annually from October 15 to December 7, this period allows you to adjust your Medicare coverage for the upcoming year. Learn more
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): If certain life events, such as moving or losing coverage, apply to you, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to make changes to your plan. Learn more
How to Enroll
- Speak with a Licensed Agent: Speak with a licensed health insurance agent from HealthCompare 1-833-748-3201 (TTY 711) (Mon-Fri 5am-6pm, Sat 6am-5pm PST) for personalized guidance.
- Reach Out to the Plan Provider: Visit the plan provider’s website or call their customer service line to enroll directly.
- Go to Medicare.gov: Explore plan options and enroll online at Medicare.gov.
Common Questions About Medicare Advantage Plans
What types of Medicare Advantage plans are available?
Medicare Advantage plans come in different types, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS), and Special Needs Plans (SNPs). Each plan type offers different levels of flexibility in choosing healthcare providers and services.
Do Medicare Advantage plans cover prescription drugs?
Many Medicare Advantage plans, known as Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans, include prescription drug coverage. These plans bundle Medicare Parts A, B, and D into one plan. However, not all Medicare Advantage plans include drug coverage, so it's important to check before enrolling.
Are there any additional costs with Medicare Advantage plans?
While Medicare Advantage plans often have lower premiums than Original Medicare, you may still have out-of-pocket costs such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. The costs can vary depending on the specific plan and services you use.
Medicare Advantage Enrollment: Your Questions Answered
What happens if I’m already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and want to switch?
If you want to switch your Medicare Advantage plan, you can do so during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7, or during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) from January 1 to March 31. Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) may also apply in certain circumstances.
Can I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan if I have pre-existing conditions?
Yes, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan even if you have pre-existing conditions. Medicare Advantage plans cannot deny you coverage or charge you more based on your health status.
How do I qualify for a Special Enrollment Period?
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you experience certain life events, such as moving to a new area, losing other health coverage, or becoming eligible for Medicaid. SEPs allow you to make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan outside of the standard enrollment periods.
The MA and MAPD plans on this page are available to people on Medicare enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B living in Cedar Bluff, Centre, Gaylesville, Leesburg, and all other areas of Cherokee County, Alabama.
Plans Offered for Enrollment through Medicare.org
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans and benefits offered by the following carriers: Aetna Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aspire Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Capital Blue Cross, Cigna Healthcare, Dean Health Plan, Devoted Health, Florida Blue Medicare, Freedom Health, GlobalHealth, Health Care Service Corporation, Healthy Blue, HealthSun, Humana, Molina Healthcare, Mutual of Omaha, Medica Central Health Plan, Optimum HealthCare, Premera Blue Cross, SCAN Health Plan, Simply, UnitedHealthcare(R), Wellcare, WellPoint.