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 – September 17, 2022

Medicare Advantage is an Original Medicare alternative health care program available to seniors and other eligible individuals. While the federal government manages Original Medicare, private insurance providers offer Medicare Advantage. However, these providers must be Medicare-approved and provide at least the same level of care and services as Original Medicare. The one exception to these regulations is hospice care, which Original Medicare provides, even for seniors enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is a bundled health care package that combines the benefits of Medicare Part A, which covers hospital care and Medicare Part B, which covers medical care like doctor visits. In many cases, Part C includes Medicare Part D (prescription drug plan) into one singular plan. Additionally, many Medicare Advantage providers include additional benefits, such as dental and vision care, wellness programs and hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans may also require seniors to seek medical services from providers within the plan’s specific network. In Michigan, just under 1 million out of the nearly 1.8 million eligible seniors are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage health care plan, according to data from 2020. This number represents about 45 % of the total Medicare users, which is slightly higher than the national average of 42%.

This guide provides more information about Medicare Advantage in Michigan and how it works. It also offers detailed information regarding the top 10 Medicare Advantage plans in the state, along with eligibility requirements.

The Top 10 Medicare Advantage Plans in Michigan

There are more than a dozen Medicare Advantage providers in Michigan, with many companies offering multiple plan options. This variety gives seniors the opportunity to compare their options to find the plan that best meets their specific needs. Michigan seniors can view the table below to learn more about their Medicare Advantage plan options. This table lists the top 10 Medicare Advantage providers in the state based on enrollment numbers. It provides various information, including plan type, total enrollment number, Medicare star rating and monthly costs. Since many providers offer multiple plan options, it lists monthly costs as a range and combines plan enrollment numbers for each provider. The facts listed in the table below are up to date as of April 2022. For additional plan information or to see any updated information, you can visit Medicare.gov.

Name

Total Enrollment

Star Rating

Min Cost

Max Cost

Plan Types

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

434,410

4.5

$0

$301

PPO

Priority Health Medicare

219,727

4

$0

$225

HMO, PPO

Humana

137,389

3.5

$0

$112

HMO, PPO, PFFS

Blue Care Network

94,083

5

$0

$265

HMO

HAP Senior Plus

70,227

4.5

$0

$190

HMO

Aetna Medicare

53,049

3

$0

$29

HMO, PPO

Wellcare

49,986

3.5

$0

$32

HMO, PPO

UnitedHealthcare

41,910

5

$0

$199

HMO, PPO

Molina Healthcare of Michigan

15,092

3.5

$0

$0

HMO

HAP Senior Plus (PPO)

10,067

4.5

$0

$200

PPO

How Medicare Advantage Plans Work in Michigan

Before comparing Medicare Advantage plans in Michigan, seniors should understand how these plans work. In Michigan, most Medicare Advantage providers offer one or more plans, including Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO), Preferred Providers Organizations (PPO), Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) and Special Needs Plans (SNPs). Each plan has its own unique policies and regulations regarding factors, such as in-network and out-of-network providers, deductibles, copays and referrals. Some plans may also require seniors to select a primary care provider and seek prior authorization before some medical procedures. The following information provides more details about the most common plan options in Michigan.

Medicare Advantage Plan Types Graphic

What Medicare Advantage Plans Cover in Michigan

Medicare Advantage plans in Michigan must provide at least the same level of services available through Medicare Parts A and B, including doctor visits, lab tests and screenings, X-rays and emergency and hospital care. Many Medicare Advantage providers offer additional benefits, including prescription drug coverage, vision and dental care, hearing aids and wellness programs, such as gym memberships. Original Medicare always provides hospice care, even if the senior enrolls in a Medicare Advantage plan.



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 Michigan

Seniors living in Michigan who are aged 65 or older and are currently enrolled in Original Medicare or are eligible for Original Medicare may be able to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. The senior must also be a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident, currently live within the plan’s service area and meet all other plan requirements. It’s also important to note that seniors can only enroll in Medicare Advantage or switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage during the annual open enrollment or election period or immediately following a qualifying life event. See the table below to determine when the open enrollment or election period for Medicare Advantage begins and ends in the state of Michigan.

  • 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. Individuals younger than 65 with certain disabilities may also be eligible for Medicare Advantage.

How to Find & Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan in Michigan

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

Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program

The Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) provides education and counseling to help empower older adults and people with disabilities so that they can make informed health insurance decisions. Counselors are available to help seniors navigate health care options through a range of services, including reviewing insurance needs, enrolling in programs and explaining health plans. Combined, this helps seniors find a plan that provides the best coverage for their situation. MMAP counselors can also identify Medicare fraud and abuse and help seniors make relevant reports. The service is free for Michigan residents, and family members who live out-of-state can also contact counselors.

Contact Info

MMAP counsellors can be contacted at 800-803-7174. Alternatively, regional contact information can be found on the MMAP website.

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Health Insurance Consumer Assistance Program

The Health Insurance Consumer Assistance Program (HICAP) offers free help to Michigan residents who need assistance with their health insurance. Seniors can receive assistance with finding a health care plan, switching plans and filing complaints. Additional information is available on the HICAP website, including information about health insurance for people with Medicare, long-term care insurance and Medicare supplements.  

Contact Info

Seniors with questions about their health insurance can contact HICAP at 877-999-6442 or via email at [email protected].  

Email
Elder Law of Michigan

Elder Law of Michigan (ELM) is a nonprofit organization created to promote and protect the rights, economic stability and health of older adults. ELM provides education, advocacy and professional services. It runs Michigan’s Coordinated Access to Food for the Elderly (MiCAFE), which assists seniors to apply for a range of government benefits, including Medicare. ELM can also provide eligibility information for a range of health care programs including Medicaid, the Medicare Savings Program and Medicare Extra Help Part D.

Contact Info

Seniors can call 877-664-2233 to find their nearest MiCAFE Network site for assistance with applications. For other services and information about advocacy, ELM can be reached at 866-400-9164.

Local Medicare Advantage Resources

The Senior Alliance

The Senior Alliance is a local Area Agency on Aging for southern and western Wayne County. It provides a range of services for older adults in the area, including the Information and Assistance Call Center. This free service connects seniors with Information Services Specialists who can provide answers to questions on a range of topics, including Medicare and Medicaid. Specialists assess the needs of callers and provide accurate information, as well as referrals to programs and services available in The Senior Alliance service area.

Contact Info

Information Services Specialists can be reached by calling 800-815-1112. The service is available Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 Kalamazoo County Older Adult Services Division

The Kalamazoo County Older Adult Services Division is the Area Agency on Aging for Kalamazoo County. The agency offers programming that helps older adults access services and provides support, advocacy and more. The Information & Assistance program has clinical social workers available to provide free, unbiased assistance to seniors and their caregivers. These social workers can evaluate needs, provide options for support and assist in navigating care and benefit programs. The program also has up-to-date information on health insurance programs such as Medicare, and can refer seniors to other resources.

Contact Info

Seniors can reach social workers with the Information & Assistance program by calling 269-373-5173. The agency can also be contacted via its website.

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 Valley Area Agency on Aging

The Valley Area Agency on Aging provides advocacy, action and information about the care of the elderly in Genesee, Lapeer and Shiawassee counties. Its Information & Assistance program makes certified resource specialists available to provide information about resources in the area. The service is available to older adults aged 60 and over, persons with disabilities and family caregivers, and it is free of charge. Information is available on a range of different topics, including Medicare and Medicaid. A listing of resources, information and tip sheets can be mailed to callers. The Valley Area Agency on Aging is HIPAA compliant, so any information provided is confidential.

Contact Info

The Valley AAA’s Information & Assistance program can be reached at 810-239-7671. People can also make a referral by filling out the form on the program’s website.

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