Medicare Advantage Plans in Colorado
Key Takeaways
- Medicare AdvantageMedicare 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 offers at least the same amount of coverage as Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
- Additional services that aren’t included in Original MedicareOriginal 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).
are offered with Medicare Advantage plans. - Medicare Advantage plans combine the benefits covered in Medicare Parts A and B and sometimes Part DMedicare Part D is prescription drug coverage for people enrolled in Medicare. Part D is optional and is offered by private insurance companies. .
- The price of Medicare Advantage plans varies depending on the plans offered in your area and the benefits you need.
Medicare Advantage plans are offered through private health insurance companies that have contracts with Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover any services that fall under Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Some expand coverage to dental, vision, hearing and more.
In Colorado, there are several Medicare Advantage plans to choose from, depending on where you live. These plans fall under several types, including Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), and Private Fee-for-Service plans (PFFSs).
Can I bundle multiple benefits into one plan?
See My OptionsColorado Medicare Advantage Plan Coverage
Anyone who qualifies for Original Medicare is eligible to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan. All Colorado residents have access to a Medicare Advantage plan in 2024, though the availability of specific plans differs based on ZIP code.
Medicare Advantage plans must cover at least what Parts A and B of Original Medicare cover. Medicare Part A covers services you receive in the hospital or nursing home, also known as inpatient care. Medicare Part B covers outpatient care, including wellness visits, examinations in your doctor’s office and therapy sessions.
While Medicare Parts A and B cover these general areas of care, Medicare prescription drug plans — also known as Part D — are an optional add-on. Some Medicare Advantage plans may include Part D coverage and other services, including:
- Dental care
- Hearing aids
- Medical transportation
- Over-the-counter medications
- Fitness classes
CO Medicare Advantage Plan Costs
The cost of Medicare Advantage plans in Colorado will vary based on where you live and what coverage you want to have included in your plan. You can find plans in your area by entering your zip code at Medicare.gov, or you can contact GoHealth to help you find the right plan for your needs.
In 2024, the average premium for a Medicare Advantage plan in Colorado is $15.84 per month. Some people qualify for a $0 per month premium.
Your costs also will depend on rules set by your individual plan. Many Medicare Advantage plans require you to receive care within a specific provider network to receive the maximum coverage for your healthcare services.
Looking for a plan with prescription drug coverage?
Find My Ideal MA PlanMedicare Advantage Plan Eligibility and Enrollment in Colorado
The federal government sets Medicare Advantage eligibility since Medicare is a federal public health insurance program.
Medicare is available to:
- People who are age 65 and older.
- People with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
- People with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
- People with disabilities who qualify for Social Security.
Suppose you are interested in enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan. In that case, it may be best to consider this option when you first enroll in Medicare. Whether you choose Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage, you have options for Part D coverage when you enroll.
Suppose you wait to sign up for a Part D plan. In that case, a late enrollment penalty may be added to your Medicare premium for the rest of your life. This penalty is based on how long you were eligible for a prescription plan but chose not to enroll.
Some important dates to remember when enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan include:
- Annual Enrollment Period for all Medicare plans — October 15 to December 7.
- Window to change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another: January 1 to March 31.
Are There Colorado Medicare Advantage Plans With Prescription Drug Coverage?
Whether or not you include Part D drug coverage in your Medicare Advantage plan is up to you. Most offer options with and without drug coverage. Without a Part D plan bundled with your Medicare Advantage coverage, you should expect to pay the entire cost of your outpatient prescription medications.
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
Looking for a plan with prescription drug coverage?
Find My Ideal MA PlanSources
- FACT SHEET. CMS.gov.
- Your health plan options. 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.