Medicare Advantage Plans in Cass County, NE:
Your Complete 2025 Guide
Explore 29 Medicare Advantage plans available in Cass County, NE for 2025. These plans offer comprehensive coverage beyond Original Medicare, with options for additional benefits such as vision, dental, and/or hearing, and/or fitness programs.Plans change annually, and there may not be a plan in Cass County with all of these benefits in one plan.
Compare the available plans below, or call 833-748-3201 (TTY 711) to speak with a licensed HealthCompare agent for personalized help.
Types of Medicare Advantage Plans in Cass County, NE
With 29 Medicare Advantage plans available in Cass 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 (20 available) offer flexibility with out-of-network care at a higher cost. The average monthly premium for these plans is $22.05.
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans: These plans (2 available) require in-network care and generally have lower costs. The average monthly premium for these plans is $0.00.
- HMO Point-of-Service (HMO-POS) Plans: These plans (7 available) blend HMO and PPO features, allowing some out-of-network care. The average monthly premium for these plans is $7.00.
- 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 Cass County, NE.
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
- 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
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans typically require you to use in-network providers for your care. These plans often have lower out-of-pocket costs and premiums, making them a cost-effective option for those who don't mind a more limited provider network.
Medicare Advantage HMO Plan Options
| Plan Name | Rating* | Premium/Mo | MOOP | Rx Ded. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield Nebraska MA Core | $0 | $3,900 | $0 | |
| Humana Gold Plus H0028-053 | $0 | $4,500 | $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. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna Medicare Eagle | $0 | $6,750 | N/A | |
| Aetna Medicare Premier | $0 | $4,100 | $590 | |
| Aetna Medicare SmartFit | $0 | $4,000 | $590 | |
| Aetna Medicare Value Plus | $49 | $3,900 | $590 | |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC NE-3 | $0 | $3,800 | $340 | |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC NE-5 | $0 | $4,900 | $420 | |
| Wellcare Giveback | $0 | $8,850 | $420 | |
| * 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 Cass 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): Your first opportunity to enroll in Medicare begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after. This is when you can choose your Medicare Advantage plan. Learn more
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): Between January 1 and March 31, you have the chance to switch your current Medicare Advantage plan to a new one or return to Original Medicare if necessary. Learn more
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): From October 15 to December 7, you can review and adjust your Medicare coverage for the next year. Learn more
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): You may qualify for a SEP due to life changes like relocation or losing other coverage, allowing you to make plan changes outside the typical enrollment periods. Learn more
How to Enroll
- Talk to 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.
- Enroll Directly with the Plan Provider: Contact your chosen plan provider online or by phone to complete your enrollment.
- Visit Medicare.gov: Compare plans and enroll through the official Medicare website at Medicare.gov.
Your Medicare Advantage Questions Answered
What is Medicare Advantage, and how does it work?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare that bundles Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) into one plan. These plans are offered by private insurance companies and often include additional benefits like dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
What are the benefits of choosing a Medicare Advantage plan?
Medicare Advantage plans often provide extra benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as dental, vision, and hearing services. Additionally, these plans may include prescription drug coverage and have lower out-of-pocket costs compared to Original Medicare.
Can I switch between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare?
Yes, you can switch between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare during certain enrollment periods, such as the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP). Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) may also allow changes under specific circumstances.
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 Louisville, Plattsmouth, Eagle, Elmwood, Greenwood, Weeping Water, and all other areas of Cass County, Nebraska.
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.