Medicare Advantage Plans in Kentucky
Key Takeaways
- Medicare Advantage (Part C)Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) is health insurance for Americans aged 65 and older that blends Medicare benefits with private health insurance. This typically includes a bundle of Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). is a private insurance product that expands on the essential services offered as part of Original Medicare (Parts A and B)Original Medicare is a fee-for-service health insurance program available to Americans aged 65 and older and some individuals with disabilities. Original Medicare is provided by the federal government and is made up of two parts: Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). .
- Medicare Advantage plans can combine elements of Medicare Parts A, B, and D.
- Medicare Advantage plans in Kentucky must offer the same services as Medicare Part AMedicare Part A is hospital insurance, which covers the care you receive while admitted to a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or other inpatient facility. Medicare Part A is part of Original Medicare. and Medicare Part BMedicare Part B is medical insurance that covers Medicare-approved services — such as medically necessary treatment and preventive services — and certain other costs, like durable medical equipment. Medicare Part B is part of Original Medicare. , but additional covered services can vary.
- The cost of your Medicare Advantage plan in Kentucky will depend on the services you choose and where you live.
If you’re eligible for Medicare Advantage in Kentucky, you have plan options — but it’s essential to know how these plans work and what benefits are available. Like Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans provide Part A and Part B benefits, but your plan is administered by a private insurance company approved by Medicare. Most Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits like Part D or vision coverage. We will dive deeper into coverage and enrollment details in this article.
Keep reading to learn more about Medicare Advantage plans in Kentucky.
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Kentucky Medicare Advantage Plan Coverage
Medicare Advantage is available to anyone who qualifies for Original Medicare and is required to cover at least what Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers. So, who is eligible for Medicare? If you are a U.S. resident age 65 and older, you qualify. Also, individuals can be eligible for Medicare under the age of 65 if they have specific disabilities and receive Social Security benefits.
In 2024, 110 Medicare Advantage plans were offered in Kentucky. However, not every plan is available in every part of the state. Availability depends on the insurance company offering the plan and where you live. Medicare Advantage plans typically use provider networks to deliver services to plan beneficiaries, so it’s essential to ensure your providers and needs are covered by Medicare Advantage plans in your area.
Medicare Part A covers services you receive in the hospital or nursing home, also known as inpatient care. Medicare Part B covers outpatient care. This can include wellness visits, examinations in your doctor’s office, or therapy sessions.
While Medicare Parts A and B cover these general areas of care, a Medicare prescription drug plan—called Part D—is an optional add-on that covers your prescriptions. Many Medicare Advantage plans include Part D coverage and other services, including:
- dental care
- hearing aids
- medical transportation
- lab testing
- home medical equipment and supplies
The federal government sets rules on who is eligible and what Medicare Advantage plans include for Medicare and Medicaid Services, but different states may have additional rules, too.
What Does a Medicare Advantage Plan in Kentucky Cover?
Medicare Advantage plans in Kentucky cover everything Original Medicare covers, plus additional services that can include dental care and hearing aids. Many Part C plans in Kentucky also include prescription drug coverage.
KY Medicare Advantage Plan Costs
The cost of Medicare Advantage plans in Kentucky varies based on where you live and what coverage you want to include. You can find and shop plans in your area by entering your zip code at Medicare.gov. Another option is to contact GoHealth. Our licensed insurance agents can research your options and help you find the right plan for your needs.
The average monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan in Kentucky was $14.33 in 2024. Some people may also qualify for a no-cost monthly premium. In Kentucky, 100% of people with Medicare live in areas where these plans are available. Keep in mind that you’ll typically still need to pay your Part B premium each month ($85 in 2025), though some Part C plans can pay for part or all of this cost.
Your costs will also depend on rules set by your individual plan. Many Medicare Advantage plans require you to receive care within a particular network of providers to receive the maximum coverage for your healthcare services.
Can I Buy a Medicare Advantage Plan in Kentucky?
Anyone eligible for Original Medicare can opt to purchase a Medicare Advantage plan. Plan offerings vary by zip code in most areas. The cost of your plan will depend on where you live, what services you want included, and the plan provider you choose. Several plans are available in most areas to fit a variety of needs and budgets.
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Medicare Advantage Plan Eligibility and Enrollment in Kentucky
The federal government sets Medicare Advantage eligibility since Medicare is a federal public health insurance program.
Medicare is available to people who:
- Are 65 and older
- Have end-stage renal disease (ESRD)
- Have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Have disabilities and qualify for Social Security
If you are interested in a Medicare Advantage plan, it may be best to consider this option when you first enroll in Medicare. Whether you opt to enroll in Original Medicare and add a Part D prescription plan (you can also add Medicare Supplement Insurance, known as Medigap) or choose a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription coverage, it’s usually a good idea to start your coverage immediately.
If you wait to sign up for Medicare, a late enrollment penalty will be added to your premiums. Medicare Parts A, B and D all have enrollment penalties, and some will last as long as you have Medicare.
If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you may qualify for a special enrollment period. These timeframes can open based on certain circumstances, like a new disability, changes to your eligibility, or a move to an area where your current plan isn’t offered.
Are There Kentucky Medicare Advantage Plans With Prescription Drug Coverage?
Whether or not to include prescription drug coverage in your Medicare Advantage plan is up to you. Most plans offer options with and without drug coverage.
Without a Part D plan added to your Medicare Advantage coverage, you should expect to either enroll in a separate Part D plan, or pay the entire cost of your outpatient prescription medications. You may be able to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage at certain times of the year. Not signing up for Part D drug coverage when you are first eligible, however, could mean you’re stuck paying an enrollment penalty for the rest of your life. This penalty will be added to your regular monthly premium.
Medicare Learning Guides
Healthcare is personal. So is choosing insurance. If you are new to Medicare, a beneficiary researching options, or a caregiver, we have tailored Medicare Guides for you.
Before 65 Guide
Understanding health insurance before age 65, especially when considering early retirement
Medicare Plans Guide
Costs, coverage and enrollment details for each Medicare plan
Medicare Beneficiary Guide
For those currently enrolled in Medicare
Low Income and Medicare Guide
For individuals with a qualifying income status
A Caregiver's Guide
For individuals with a qualifying income status
Can I bundle multiple benefits into one plan?
Sources
- FACT SHEET. CMS.gov.
- Your health plan options. Medicare.gov.
- Joining a plan. Medicare.gov.
- Information for my situation. Medicare.gov.
- Special Enrollment Periods. Medicare.gov.
- Drug coverage (Part D). Medicare.gov.
This website is operated by GoHealth, LLC., a licensed health insurance company. The website and its contents are for informational and educational purposes; helping people understand Medicare in a simple way. The purpose of this website is the solicitation of insurance. Contact will be made by a licensed insurance agent/producer or insurance company. Medicare Supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Our mission is to help every American get better health insurance and save money.
Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.