Table of Contents

Medicare Plans by State

STATE -Select-
  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming
Page Reviewed / Updated – December 23, 2023

Seniors who are already enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B can combine their benefits into a single plan with Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C. Instead of being provided by the federal government, Medicare Advantage is offered by private insurance providers. This gives seniors and other eligible individuals the opportunity to purchase better benefits than what’s offered by Original Medicare. 

The government requires Medicare Advantage providers to at least offer the same coverage as Original Medicare; however, most providers opt to offer more extensive coverage options, including added benefits such as dental care, vision care, diet and nutrition programs, and even massage therapy, in some cases. Most Medicare Advantage plans also include prescription drug coverage, making it more convenient for seniors to access the medications they need without the need for an extra insurance plan. 

Although there are minimum requirements for coverage offered by Medicare Advantage providers, there are no rules regarding premiums, copays or network regulations, which gives providers the freedom to design plans that suit the seniors they serve best. In Georgia, almost 1.8 million individuals are eligible for Medicare Advantage in 2020, and 42% of them are enrolled, which is on par with the national average of 42%.

This guide provides in-depth information about Georgia’s best Medicare Advantage plans, as well as important details regarding how Medicare Advantage works, what it costs and how to enroll.

The Top 10 Medicare Advantage Plans in Georgia

Georgia has many Medicare Advantage companies. Most offer a choice of plans to suit varying needs and budgets. The following table shows the nine most popular providers in Georgia in 2023, detailing the total number of people enrolled in all plans offered by each company. Pricing is given as a range to reflect the costs of differing policies. While all figures are current as of July 2023, individuals can visit Medicare.gov for further insights.

Name

Enrollment

Medicare Star Rating

Monthly Cost Range

Plan Types

Kaiser Permanente

271215

4.5

$0 – $71

PPO, HMO

UnitedHealthcare

213007

3

$0 – $49

PPO, HMO

Aetna Medicare

141686

3

$0 – $47

PPO, HMO

Humana

53676

2.5

$0 – $103

PPO, HMO, PFFS

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

28273

3

$0 – $59

PPO, HMO

Wellcare

11758

2.5

$0 – $85

PPO

Clover Health

8600

3.5

$0 – $37

PPO

Cigna

8172

3

$0 – $0

PPO, HMO

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee

1058

5

$0 – $0

PPO

How Medicare Advantage Plans Work in Georgia

Georgia’s Medicare Advantage providers offer a variety of different types of plans, so before enrolling in a plan, it’s important to understand what it’s offering and what its requirements are. The most popular Medicare Advantage plans include health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and preferred provider organizations (PPOs). The differences between these and other types of Medicare Advantage plans are outlined below.

Medicare Advantage Plan Types Graphic

What Medicare Advantage Plans Cover in Georgia

All Medicare Advantage plans in Georgia are required to provide coverage for the same health care services as Original Medicare, except hospice care. That includes services such as hospital care, primary care, lab tests and X-rays. Most Medicare Advantage plans also provide additional benefits, which might include vision care, dental and nutritional services. 



Coverage Available With Medicare Parts A & B?

Coverage Available With Medicare Advantage?

Preventive Screenings

Yes

Yes

Hospital Care

Yes

Yes

Durable Medical Equipment

Yes

Yes

Prescription Drugs

No

Yes**

Vision Care

No

Yes*

Dental Care

No

Yes*

Hearing Aids

No

Yes*

*Select plans offer this coverage

** Most plans offer this coverage

Eligibility for Medicare Advantage in Georgia

Medicare Advantage plans are only available to seniors and other eligible individuals who are already enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Furthermore, those who wish to enroll must also live within their plan’s service area. 

It’s also required that new enrollees be eligible for Medicare. Eligibility guidelines include being at least 65 years or older and a United States citizen or legal alien/permanent resident.

 When enrolling in a new Medicare Advantage plan, seniors must do so during their specified enrollment period. These periods only occur at certain times throughout the year, with the initial enrollment period falling within 3 months of the enrollee’s 65th birthday. These enrollment periods are explained in the list below.

  • Initial Coverage Election Period: This is the initial 7-month period, coinciding with one’s 65th birthday, during which everyone is eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.
  • Annual Election Period (AEP): Also referred to as the Open Enrollment Period, this the time of year when anyone over 65 can enroll in Medicare Advantage for the first time or change to a new plan.
  • Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: During this period, those who are already enrolled in Medicare Advantage can switch to a different plan or switch back to Original Medicare.

Start Date

End Date

Initial Coverage Election
Period

3 Months Before One’s
65th Birth Month

3 Months After One’s
65th Birth Month

Annual Election Period
(AEP)

October 15th

December 7th

Medicare Advantage Open
Enrollment Period

January 1st

March 31st

Additionally, Medicare Advantage plan participants can change their plan outside of these enrollment periods under certain qualifying circumstances, such as moving to a new state.

How to Find & Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan in Georgia

Navigating the many intricacies of Medicare Advantage plan types, insurers, and the specific plan options available by region can be a difficult and time-consuming task. Below are several resources we’ve created to help you through the process.

First is a downloadable PDF that you can use as a guide to help you compare plans as you research. Finally, we have listed a number of organizations that you can contact with experts that will help you determine whether Medicare Advantage is right for you and what plans you should consider.

Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan



State-Wide Medicare Advantage Resources

GeorgiaCares

GeorgiaCares is a partnership between the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Division of Aging Services (DAS) that provides free access to unbiased Medicare assistance. As the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, all seniors eligible for Medicare can use this resource to find the right Medicare enrollment option, as well as those seeking other forms of insurance support. The program is not associated with any insurance companies or providers, guaranteeing objective information on available insurance options. Counseling is available free of charge and can assist with understanding plan descriptions, explanations of benefits and the enrollment process. GeorgiaCares can also connect Medicare beneficiaries with financial assistance programs for those unable to afford premiums or out-of-pocket costs.

Contact Info

To get started with GeorgiaCares, seniors can call 1-866-552-4464 and choose option four on the menu. Contact is also possible through the Department of Aging Services or area Agencies on Aging.

Visit Website
Georgia Division of Aging Services

The Georgia Division of Aging Services is a subdivision of the Department of Human Services that advocates for the rights of seniors across the state of Georgia. As a comprehensive resource for seniors, this agency offers various forms of information and support to empower and protect the aging population. In addition to offering information on widespread community resources, the Division of Aging Services can also connect seniors with their local Agency on Aging location. Agencies on Aging can be excellent resources for seniors in need of support, offering information on medical insurance, such as Medicare, connecting seniors with financial assistance and providing assistance with costs of services, such as long-term care. Many Agencies on Aging can also provide confidential and unbiased counseling services to help seniors make educated decisions about health and welfare. All seniors and their caretakers in the state of Georgia can seek assistance from the Division of Aging Services.

Contact Info

Seniors can contact The Georgia Division of Aging Services by calling 1-404-657-5258 or calling the toll-free number at 1-866-552-4464, as well as through the website contact form or by mail.

Visit Website
Georgia Department of Community Health

The Georgia Department of Community Health is one of Georgia’s four health agencies committed to fostering healthy and empowered communities throughout the state. While the primary focus is Medicaid and PeachCare, Georgia’s subsidized insurance plan for children, Medicare information is available as well, including state-level updates on enrollment and how Medicare works with other health services throughout the state. Interested seniors can contact the Department of Community Health to learn more about how Medicare can support health care needs in the state of Georgia. This agency can also help support those seniors who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid simultaneously and need help balancing benefits. All citizens of Georgia are welcome to seek assistance from the Georgia Department of Community Health.

Contact Info

The Georgia Department of Community Health can be contacted by phone at 1-404-656-4507 or through the contact forms on their website.

Georgians for a Healthy Future

Georgians for a Healthy Future is a consumer-focused health care advocacy group serving communities across the state of Georgia. The organization is dedicated to ensuring all Georgia residents have access to comprehensive health insurance, regardless of their chosen course of coverage. Georgians for a Healthy Future advocates for health care reform and is active in public policy changes. Seniors who need assistance with health insurance requirements can reach out to learn more about doctors, coverage options, tax implications and more. Anyone in Georgia seeking information about health insurance or who wants to get involved in health care advocacy is welcome to contact Georgians for a Healthy Future.

Contact Info

Georgians for a Healthy Future can be contacted by phone at 1-404-567-5016  or by email at [email protected]

Email

Local Medicare Advantage Resources

Empowerline

Empowerline is an Atlanta-based advocacy group that supports the needs of seniors and those with disabilities in the greater metro area. The organization covers many different topics for seniors, including comprehensive health care plan information. Free certified counselors are available around the clock to answer questions, provide information and help seniors and persons with disabilities make educated choices. This includes information about different Medicare plans, including Part C options, to ensure seniors understand their options and are able to find an affordable plan that meets their individual health needs. Empowerline also offers occasional in-person seminars on a variety of topics, including health insurance.

Contact Info

Empowerline can be reached by phone at 1-404-463-3333 or via email and chat options on the organization website. The phone line is staffed 24/7.

Visit Website
Senior Citizens Inc

Senior Citizens Inc is a registered nonprofit agency that offers a variety of services encompassing physical, mental and emotional health support for seniors. This includes counseling services for Medicare participants. A representative with GeorgiaCares works directly with the organization to provide unbiased evaluation assistance. This service is available on Wednesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. In addition to Medicare counseling services, the agency can also provide numerous other services to seniors, including meal delivery, companionship through a companionship program, learning center access throughout the state and resources for in-home care. The organization serves four metro areas in Georgia: Chatham, Bryan, Effingham, and Liberty.

Contact Info

Senior Citizens Inc is available by phone locally at 1-912-236-0363 or toll-free at 1-866-579-2116.