Medicare Advantage plans involve co-pays, co-insurance and provider network for medical coverage and ask that you seek scheduled medical care in a specific network of physicians and hospitals. Medicare Advantage plans often combine medical and prescription coverage into one plan.

With Medicare Advantage plans, you should expect to save money on monthly premiums versus coverage with Medicare Supplemental plans, but in return for the money you are saving here, you must accept the Medicare Advantage plan co-pays and coverage network.

Before enrolling into a Medicare Advantage Plan you should consider the following:

• What is the price range in your county for monthly premiums for various Medicare Advantage plans?
• What are the specific plan co-pays and co-insurance for Medicare-covered services? Does the plan have an annual out-of-pocket maximum cost?
• Are your favorite local doctors and hospitals in-network for the plan?
• What are plan co-pays for generic and name-brand prescription drugs? Will the plan cover your specific prescriptions?