Monthly Costs
Costs for Empire MediBlue HMO plans vary, but depending on where you live, plans may be available starting at $0 per month.
Empire MediBlue HMO
Medicare Advantage plans bundle all the benefits of Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B into one convenient plan. Plus, these plans often have extras, such as coverage for prescription drugs, vision, dental, and hearing aids.
A Medicare Advantage HMO plan is a Medicare Part C plan that works like a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan. Empire MediBlue HMO is a Medicare Advantage HMO plan, so you’ll have all the benefits of a Medicare Advantage plan and you’ll access our leading network of quality doctors.
A Medicare Advantage HMO plan is one type of Medicare Advantage plan. Keep reading to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Medicare Advantage Plan
A Medicare Advantage plan, also known as a Part C plan, conveniently bundles all the benefits of Parts A and B. Most plans also include Part D (Prescription Drug) coverage.
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
When you choose a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan, you choose to see doctors and facilities from an approved network list. You choose a primary care physician (PCP) for your check-ups and regular exams. Your PCP helps coordinate your care and may also direct you to specialists.
Medicare Advantage HMO Plans
A Medicare Advantage HMO is both a Medicare Advantage plan and an HMO. Empire MediBlue HMO is one type of Medicare Advantage plan that combines the benefits of a Medicare Advantage plan with the coordination of an HMO. You receive all the benefits of the Medicare Advantage plan and choose from our complete network of doctors and facilities for your care. You also choose a PCP who coordinates your care and may refer you to specialists as needed.
Can Anyone Enroll in a Medicare Advantage HMO?
As long as you are eligible for Medicare you can choose a Medicare Advantage HMO. People who like the convenience and predictability of choosing doctors and health care providers from a specific list may want to choose a Medicare Advantage Plan that is an HMO.
Other Types of Medicare Advantage Plans: PPOs and SNPs
The main difference between a Medicare Advantage HMO and a Medicare Advantage PPO is that with a PPO plan, you can see any doctor or specialist, in or out of the network list, but you may pay more.
People with Medicare and Medicaid may enroll in a Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan (SNP) plan. These plans specialize in the conditions and diseases of those enrolled. Members have access to a network of doctors specialized in their care and may receive other benefits such as home-delivered meals and transportation.
What do MediBlue HMO Plans Cover?
Empire MediBlue HMO plans bring your medical and prescription coverage together in a convenient plan where you’ll select from our robust network of doctors and care providers. All Empire MediBlue HMO plans include benefits similar to our Medicare Advantage PPO plans:
Many preventive services, such as regular check-ups, tests, shots and screenings, are included at no extra cost.
Original Medicare doesn’t cover prescriptions and medications that most people need. Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D coverage.
Some Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) include access to vision and/or dental benefits that Medicare doesn’t cover. You can also add an optional supplemental benefit package for even more coverage than what a Medicare Advantage plan includes.
Some Medicare Advantage HMO plans cover routine hearing tests, hearing aid fittings, and evaluations. Plans may also cover costs or copays for hearing aids.
Some Medicare Advantage plans cover non-prescription over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and health-related items, such as pain relievers, cold medicine and first-aid care, at specific retailers.
As part of your Empire MediBlue HMO plan, you may also have access to SilverSneakers®, a popular fitness program for adults age 65+.
Star Ratings measure Medicare Advantage plans on a number of categories, including customer service and quality of care. Medicare evaluates plans and assigns stars based on a 5-star rating system. Star Ratings are calculated each year and may change from one year to the next.
We make it easy to find and compare the details of Empire MediBlue HMO plans in your area.
How Much Does a Medicare Advantage HMO Plan Cost?
Medicare Advantage plans can help you save money. With low or no monthly premiums, copays, and deductibles, our Empire MediBlue HMO plans can help you keep to your budget without sacrificing coverage.
Typical Costs of an Empire MediBlue HMO
Is a Medicare Advantage HMO Plan Right for You?
A Medicare Advantage HMO plan may be right for you if you agree with the following statements:
- I don’t mind choosing from a list of doctors and facilities for my care.
- I like working with a primary care physician (PCP) who coordinates all of my care.
- I don’t mind getting a referral from my PCP before I see a specialist.
- My providers and facilities are participating in a particular network.
- I like the consistency of knowing what my copays will be when I see my PCP or specialist.
We have more information to help you understand the differences between Medicare Advantage HMOs and Medicare Advantage PPOs.
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