Many senior residents in Delaware have switched from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage plans. The city of Wilmington has 29,279 enrollees with a participation rate of 19.98%.
Before choosing a Delaware Medicare Advantage plan, you should understand the benefits of Medicare Advantage and the types of plans available.
How Medicare Advantage plans work in Delaware
Unlike Original Medicare, private carriers provide and pay for Medicare Advantage plans. Instead of enrolling in a government Medicare program, you can enroll in a private plan. In Delaware, you can choose from 19 Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare Advantage plans include extra benefits such as dental exams, X-rays, cavity fillings, or dentures. Some plans may cover transportation to doctor’s appointments, prescription drugs, and wellness services. Since these plans differ based on carrier, it’s essential to read the summary of benefits before enrolling.
Medicare Advantage plans Offered in Delaware
Compared to Medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans have no standardization set by the federal government. Medicare Advantage plan costs and benefits can vary based on zip codes.
The following sections discuss the Delaware Medicare Advantage plans with zero-dollar premiums and drug deductibles. All plans have numerical star ratings, and some provide Medicare Part B reductions. We have based the data below on one zip code in the state of Delaware.
Medicare Advantage plans with a zero-dollar premium in Delaware
Many Medicare Part C plans in Delaware offer zero-dollar monthly premiums. It’s important to remember that as you use the benefits, plans with zero premiums will have higher out-of-pocket costs.
The UnitedHealthcare (PPO) plan offers zero-dollar premiums with a four-star rating and a maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) rate of $5,900. UnitedHealthcare plans allow you to visit doctors inside and outside their networks.
Another PPO plan includes Highmark. These plans provide in-network coverage for emergency and urgent care. Highmark plans have no premiums and a MOOP rate of $7,550.
The next Aetna (PPO) plan offers zero-dollar premiums with a four-star rating and a MOOP rate of $7,550. Aetna plans provide a primary physician to guide and coordinate your care.
Lastly, the Humana (PPO) plan has no premiums, a four-star rating, and a MOOP rate of $6,700. Humana plans provide virtual care and telehealth services.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PLAN TYPE | STAR RATINGS |
| UnitedHealthcare | $0 | $5,900 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
| Highmark | $0 | $7,550 | LOCAL PPO | N/A |
| Aetna | $0 | $7,550 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
| Humana | $0 | $6,700 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
| Cigna | $0 | $6,900 | HMO | 3 |
Medicare Advantage plans with a zero-dollar drug deductible in Delaware
Prescription drug coverage can help lower your healthcare costs. If you require regular medications, enroll in a Delaware Medicare Advantage plan with zero-dollar drug deductibles.
The UnitedHealthcare (PPO) drug plan has zero-dollar premiums, a four-star rating, and a MOOP rate of $5,900. UnitedHealthcare plans have $0 copays on all tier 1 and tier 2 prescription medications.
Another drug plan is the Highmark (PPO). Highmark offers free annual home visits to review your medications. These plans have a MOOP rate of $7,550.
Humana (PPO) offers a drug plan with no premiums, a four-star rating, and a MOOP rate of $4,900. Humana plans personalized support to help you take full advantage of your drug coverage.
Lastly, the Cigna (HMO) drug plan has zero-dollar premiums, a three-star rating, and a MOOP limit of $6,900. Cigna plans provide medication management therapy and guidance on how to take your medications.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PLAN TYPE | STAR RATINGS |
| UnitedHealthcare | $0 | $5,900 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
| Highmark | $0 | $7,550 | LOCAL PPO | N/A |
| Humana | $0 | $4,900 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
| Cigna | $0 | $6,900 | HMO | 3 |
| UnitedHealthcare | $0 | $4,500 | HMO | N/A |
Medicare Advantage plans with a Part B reduction in Delaware
Medicare beneficiaries can reduce their monthly healthcare costs with Part B reductions. Delaware Medicare Advantage plans offer Part B reductions to pay a portion of the monthly premium for outpatient services.
Not all zip codes offer Medicare Advantage plans with a Part B give-back or reduction, so you’ll need to ensure these plans are available in your area.
UnitedHealthcare offers a $50 Part B reduction with a MOOP rate of $5,900. This plan has no star rating.
Humana plans also offer a $50 Part B reduction with a MOOP rate of $6,700. This plan is highly regarded, with four out of five stars for its rating.
Lastly, Aetna provides a $25 Part B reduction with a MOOP rate of $6,700. Even with the lower reduction, this plan still scores four stars.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PART B REDUCTION | STAR RATINGS |
| UnitedHealthcare | $0 | $5,900 | $50.00 | N/A |
| Humana | $0 | $6,700 | $50.00 | 4 |
| Aetna | $0 | $6,700 | $25.00 | 4 |
Ancillary/DVH
Medicare Advantage plans in Delaware provide additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare and Medigap. Medicare Advantage plans cover ancillary services such as fitness programs, vision, hearing, dental, and prescription drug coverage.
Cities in Delaware with Medicare Supplement coverage’s estimated premiums
Estimated Medigap coverage premium costs exist in handy charts for the following Delaware cities:
FAQs
Is Medicare Advantage available in Delaware?
Yes. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approves Medicare Advantage plans offered by private insurance companies.
Medicare Advantage plans in Delaware combine Medicare Part A and Part B into a single plan with coverage for ancillary services.
Does getting a Medicare Advantage plan make you lose Original Medicare in Delaware?
Medicare Advantage plans provide an alternative to Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans bundle Medicare Part A, Part B, and often Part D.
After enrollment, Medicare Advantage plans will cover most of your costs of Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance).
Who is eligible for Medicare Advantage in Delaware?
Individuals eligible for Medicare Part A and B can enroll in Medicare Advantage plans. Private insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage plans under a contract with Medicare.
When can I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan in Delaware?
Before enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you must enroll in Medicare Part A and B and have no Medigap supplemental plan. Participants 65 or older or those with a qualifying disability can enroll during three periods:
- The Initial Coverage Election Period starts three months before your 65th birthday
- The Open Enrollment Period between January 1 and March 31
- The Annual Election Period from October 15 to December 7
Is Medicare Advantage based on your income in Delaware?
Income does not influence Medicare Advantage plan premiums but can impact the total amount owed for Medicare.
Medicare Part B premiums depend on income, so Medicare Advantage plans that do not fully cover Part B requires the beneficiary to make payments partially based on how much they earn.
How to get help enrolling in a Delaware Medicare Advantage plan
A Medicare Advantage plan should match your unique health needs and budget. If you already have Medicare, your benefits may change every year. By comparing Medicare Advantage plans, you can save money on out-of-pocket expenses.
We can help you find the right Delaware Medicare Advantage plan. Our licensed agents provide free resources to help you understand your health and wellness options.
Start by giving us a call or completing our online rate form to get rates now.
