What is Medicare, and is it for everyone? Medicare is health insurance for the 65 and older population. Three months before your 65th birthday, you are eligible to sign up for Medicare, or even earlier under certain circumstances, such as a qualifying disability.
When you decide it’s time to enroll in Medicare, you have the option between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Original Medicare is funded by the federal government and helps cover the costs of hospital fees (Part A) and doctor visits (Part B). Part A and B do not cover prescription drugs, most dental care, eye exams, dentures, or hearing aids.
In contrast, Medicare Advantage plans are not funded by the federal government. Instead, they are offered by private insurance companies and typically offer additional benefits. Like Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage covers Part A and Part B, but it also covers Part C and Part D, which may include routine dental, hearing, and vision benefits, as well as drug coverage—making them an appealing alternative to Original Medicare plans.
Advantage U, a plan born in your own backyard
With a variety of Medicare coverage options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. The Advantage U plan is the Medicare Advantage plan you can trust, a plan developed by Utahns, for Utahns.
With Advantage U, you have access to affordable coverage, benefits designed by experienced healthcare professionals with you in mind, and a reliable network of doctors and hospitals you and your loved ones know and trust.
The Advantage U plan is available in two categories: 1) the Advantage U Signature (PPO), and 2) the Advantage U Signature Part B Buyback (PPO). Both of these plans are available to Medicare beneficiaries who live in Davis, Salt Lake, Toole, Utah, and Weber Counties.
Since Advantage U is a PPO plan, first let’s explain what a PPO is: A preferred provider organization (PPO) is a type of health plan that contracts directly with medical providers, such as doctors and hospitals.
A PPO is a network of participating providers, and when you have a PPO health plan, you pay less when you use an in-network provider. You can use a medical provider (doctor or hospital) outside of the network, but at an additional cost.
2023 Advantage U Signature (PPO) Plan
The 2023 Advantage U Signature PPO plan includes: hospital and medical coverage, prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, hearing, fitness, and over-the-counter (OTC).
$0 monthly premiums, but you still have to pay your Part B premium.
$0 copay to see an in-network primary care physician (PCP).
$25 copay to visit an in-network specialist.
Read the Summary of Benefits for a detailed list of benefits. Click here to search in-network providers.
2023 Advantage U Signature Part B Buyback (PPO) Plan
The 2023 Advantage U Signature Part B Buyback (PPO) plan includes: hospital and medical coverage, prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, hearing, fitness, and over-the-counter (OTC). This $0 Premium Advantage U Signature Part B Buyback (PPO) plan includes:
$0 monthly premium, but you still have to pay the Part B premium.
Up to $25 off your monthly Medicare Part B premium.
$0 co-pay for in-network primary care physicians (PCP).
$25 copay to visit an in-network specialist.
Read the Summary of Benefits for a detailed list of benefits. Click here to search in-network providers.
Are you interested in learning more about Advantage U? Call (801) 893-6935 (TTY 711) or enroll now. Open enrollment ends Dec. 7.
University of Utah Health Insurance Plans is a PPO with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in University of Utah Health Insurance Plans depends on contract renewal.