Medicare Advantage Plans are an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare offered by private, Medicare-approved insurance companies. These bundled plans provide the same coverage as Medicare Parts A and B and often include benefits that Original Medicare does not offer, such as vision, dental and hearing coverage. Some plans may provide even more benefits like wellness or transportation to doctor’s visits.

Since each Medicare Advantage Plan provider can set its own rates and benefit offerings, it’s important to compare your options before choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan. This article will go over everything you need to know about Medicare Advantage Plans in Connecticut.

Medicare Advantage Plans in Connecticut

Compare ratings of insurance companies offering Medicare Advantage Plans in Connecticut:

Insurance company Medicare rating A.M. Best rating BBB rating J.D. Power ranking
Aetna 4 stars A A+ 6th out of 9
Cigna 4 stars A- Not rated 8th out of 9
Humana 4 stars A- A+ 2nd out of 9
UnitedHealthcare 3.5 stars A- A- 4th out of 9

What You Should Know About Medicare Advantage Plans in Connecticut

  • In 2023, there are 65 Medicare Advantage plans available in Connecticut, compared to 57 plans in 2022.
  • 100% of Medicare beneficiaries have access to a zero premium Medicare Advantage plan in 2023.
  • The average Medicare Advantage monthly premium in 2022 is $17.66, a decrease from 2022.
  • Through the CMS Innovation Center’s Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) Model, 18 plans will offer Medicare Advantage enrollees eliminated Part D cost-sharing; rewards and incentives programs related to healthy behaviors; and customized, innovative benefits that address social determinants of health, such as food insecurity and social isolation, for certain underserved and/or chronically ill enrollees.

Is Medicare Advantage Right for You?

You have choices in Medicare coverage. While you can opt to stick with Original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage Plan – also known as Part C – may be a better alternative for you.

Original Medicare Medicare Advantage Plans
Original Medicare covers your Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical insurance. Medicare Advantage Plans combine Part A, Part B, and additional benefits.
You can add Part D prescription drug coverage. Prescription drug coverage is usually included.
You’re able to use any medical provider in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. You’ll usually need to use doctors in your plan’s network.
You can buy supplemental coverage to manage out-of-pocket costs, including your coinsurance. Your Medicare Advantage Plan may have lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare.
Vision, hearing, dental, and other benefits aren’t covered. Your plan may offer additional benefits, including vision, hearing, and dental.
Note:

  • You can’t have both a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Supplement Plan.
  • You must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B to join a Medicare Advantage Plan.

What’s covered with a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Medicare Advantage Plans cover benefits from Original Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), usually Part D (prescription drug coverage), and sometimes additional benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. Each Medicare Advantage Plan insurer sets the rules about how you receive and pay for these benefits.

Hospital and skilled nursing facility inpatient care Home health care Prescription drug coverage (if included in your plan)
Medically necessary outpatient services, such as:

  • Doctor’s visits
  • Ambulance services
  • Emergency and urgent care
  • Durable medical equipment (DME)
  • Mental health care
  • Prescription drugs that you cannot self-administer
  • X-rays
  • Laboratory tests
Preventive services, such as:

  • Vaccinations
  • Cancer screenings
  • Diabetes screenings
  • Depression screenings
Additional benefits (depending on your plan), such as:

  • Routine vision exams with allowance for glasses
  • Routine dental exams
  • Hearing exams with allowance for hearing aids
  • Fitness and wellness programs and discounts
  • Transportation to medically necessary care
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs

How to Compare Medicare Advantage Plans in Connecticut

With 65 Medicare Advantage Plans available in Connecticut, you likely have a few options in your area. To help you choose the best plan for you, consider what is most important to you before selecting a plan. There are several factors to keep in mind:

  • Monthly premium: This is how much you pay for coverage monthly, regardless of the care you receive. You may need to pay your plan’s premium in addition to the Medicare Part B premium, although some plans have $0 premiums or help pay for your Part B premium.
  • Plan network: You may need to use doctors and providers who are within a plan’s network. Before choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan, think about the doctors and facilities (including pharmacies) you prefer to use, then check if the plan offers coverage at those locations. Some plans may provide out-of-network coverage, but this usually comes at a higher cost.
  • Deductible: Your deductible is the amount you must pay before your insurance plan starts helping cover the costs. Medicare Advantage Plans set their deductibles, and these may change only once per year on January 1.
  • Copayments and coinsurance: Copayments or coinsurance are how much you pay for each service or doctor’s visit, such as $20 per doctor visit. Each Medicare Advantage Plan sets its copayment or coinsurance amount that can differ from what you would pay through Original Medicare.
  • Out-of-pocket maximum: Each Medicare Advantage Plan sets a yearly limit on the maximum amount you’d be responsible for paying for services covered by Medicare. Once you reach this limit, you won’t have to pay anything for the services you receive covered by Part A and Part B in that year.
  • Additional coverage: Most Medicare Advantage Plans also provide prescription drug coverage and often include additional benefits that Original Medicare won’t cover, such as vision, dental, and hearing. Plans may provide even more benefits, like discounted gym membership or transportation to doctor’s visits. Medicare Advantage Plans can also tailor their benefits to the specific needs of particular chronically ill beneficiaries.

About Medicare Advantage Plans in Connecticut

With only 22% of Connecticut residents choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan, Plan C isn’t as popular in the state as it is elsewhere in the country. This may be because there are fewer plans available in Connecticut than in many other states, but these plans are still an option worth exploring.

Number of Medicare Advantage Plans available Medicare Advantage Plan types available Medicare Advantage Plans rated 3.5 or higher by NCQA
65
  • Local health maintenance organization (HMO)
  • Local preferred provider organization (PPO)
  • Regional preferred provider organization (PPO)
  • Aetna HMO
  • Aetna PPO
  • ConnectiCare HMO-POS
  • Oxford Health HMO
  • Sierra Health PPO
  • WellCare of Connecticut HMO

Types of Medicare Advantage Plans in Connecticut

In Connecticut, the most common Medicare Advantage plans available are HMOs or PPOs, although there are also a few SNPs and regional PFFS plans available. Seniors eligible for Medicare may choose from plans provided by multiple private insurers, although the choices available vary by county.

HMOs

HMOs typically require that you receive all services from in network providers:

  • You must have a primary care physician (PCP), referrals for specialists, and prior authorizations for treatments and some prescriptions.
  • Drug coverage usually is included. You aren’t able to purchase standalone drug coverage.
  • Lower costs if you stay in network.
PPOs

PPOs include a preferred network of providers, but you have the option of choosing doctors or hospitals from outside of the network for a higher cost.

  • You don’t need to choose a primary care doctor or referrals for specialists.
  • Drug coverage is usually included.
  • You aren’t able to purchase stand-alone drug coverage.
  • Higher premium and out-of-network costs.
PFFS Plans

PFFS plans don’t require a primary care physician or referrals for specialists:

  • You can go to any Medicare-approved health care provider or facility that accepts the plan’s payment terms and agrees to treat you.
  • May include drug coverage, or you can purchase a standalone drug plan.
  • Higher cost if you choose a provider that doesn’t agree to the plan’s terms.
SNPs

SNPs are only for people with specific conditions and characteristics, and include care coordination and targeted benefits tailored to meet your specific needs:

  • You need a PCP and referrals to specialists.
  • Drug coverage is always included.
  • If you’re eligible, you can join an SNP at any time.

Enrollment and Eligibility for Medicare Advantage Plans in Connecticut

You’re eligible for Medicare when you turn 65 or if you’re younger and have a qualifying disability. A qualifying disability means at least one of the following applies:

  • You’ve received Social Security Disability Insurance or Railroad Board Disability Annuity for 24 months
  • You have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease
  • You have End-Stage Renal Disease

When you become eligible for Medicare, you are also eligible for Medicare Advantage Plans. There are specific times of the year when you can enroll for the first time in a Medicare Advantage Plan: during your Initial Enrollment Period and the Open Enrollment Period.

  • Your IEP begins three months before the month you turn 65 and extends for three months after the month you turn 65. During this period, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan. If you join before the month you turn 65, your coverage will begin the first day of the month you turn 65. If you enroll in the three months after turning 65, your coverage will begin the first day of the month after you enroll.
  • If you miss your IEP, you can sign up for Medicare during the General Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31.
  • After you enroll in Medicare, you can enroll in or make changes to your Medicare Advantage Plan coverage during the Medicare OEP from October 15 and December 7 of each year. During this time, you can change from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan, or change from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment occurs between January 1 and March 31 of each year. This period is only for beneficiaries already in a Medicare Advantage Plan, and you can change plans or switch to Original Medicare. You cannot switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage during Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment.

There are exceptions to these enrollment periods called Special Enrollment Periods. Certain events or circumstances may make you eligible to change your Medicare Advantage Plan outside of the open enrollment periods, such as if you move outside of your existing plan’s service area or to a location with new plan options you didn’t have before. If you think you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, call 1-800-MEDICARE and explain your situation.

Medicare Enrollment Periods

Enrollment period When it happens Medicare plans you can choose What you can do
Initial Enrollment Period Three months before you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and three months after Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D, Medigap, or Medicare Advantage Plan Sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B. Complete your Part B enrollment to avoid a late enrollment penalty.
General Enrollment Period January 1 – March 31 Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D, Medigap, or Medicare Advantage Plan. If you enroll in Medicare during this period, your MAP enrollment is April through June. Sign up for Medicare if you missed your IEP
Open Enrollment Period October 15 – December 7 Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D, Medigap, or Medicare Advantage Plan Join, switch, or drop a plan
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period January 1 – March 31 Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D, Medigap, or Medicare Advantage Plan If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can change your plan or switch to Original Medicare
Special Enrollment Period When you have a qualifying event Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D, Medigap, or Medicare Advantage Plan Make changes to your plan

Connecticut Medicare Advantage Plans With Prescription Drug Coverage

Most Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans and all SNP plans provide prescription drug coverage like you would get from Medicare Part D. Some PFFS plans may provide prescription drug coverage, but not all do. Evaluate a plan’s prescription drug coverage when deciding which Connecticut Medicare Advantage Plan to use.

Prescription drug coverage may vary by cost, coverage, and convenience among Medicare Advantage Plans. Your monthly premium may include a premium for the drug coverage in the plan. There is usually a copayment or coinsurance amount that you have to pay for each prescription after you reach your annual deductible.

Some plans use different cost tiers with different costs for different drugs. For instance, you may pay less for generic drugs than brand-name drugs or less for brand-name drugs within different tiers. If your plan uses tiers, the formulary will list all covered drugs and their tiers. Verify your preferred or local pharmacies are included in the plan’s network.

Getting Help with Medicare Advantage Plans

Connecticut-wide Medicare Advantage Resources
Resource Contact How they help
CHOICES (800) 994-9422 CHOICES empowers, educates, and assists Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers through objective outreach, counseling, and training to make informed health insurance decisions that optimize access to care and benefits
Connecticut Aging Committee (860) 240‑0090 The Connecticut Aging Committee has cognizance of all matters relating to senior citizens
Connecticut Insurance Department (860) 297-3800 A state website with helpful information on insurance issues within Connecticut
Connecticut Medicaid and CHIP Services (877) 284-8759 HUSKY Health offers coverage to eligible children, parents, relative caregivers, elders, individuals with disabilities, adults without dependent children, and pregnant women
Connecticut Medical Assistance Program N/A This site provides important information to health care providers about the Connecticut Medical Assistance Programincluding enrollment, billing manuals, bulletins, program regulations, plus information on Electronic Data Interchange and the Automated Eligibility Verification System
Connecticut Medicare (866) 466-4446
[email protected]
Medicare is the Federal health insurance program for Americans age 65 and older and for certain disabled Americans
Connecticut Medicare Supplement & Medicare Info N/A A site containing information on Medicare and Medicare Supplement Insurance
Connecticut State Department of Aging and Disability Services (860) 424-5055 The Connecticut State Department of Aging and Disability Services seeks to maximizing opportunities for the independence and well-being of people with disabilities and older adults in Connecticut
Local Medicare Advantage Resources
Resource Contact How they help
Brookfield Commission on Aging (203) 775-7300 The Commission on Aging proposes and evaluates programs and services for older citizens in Brookfield
Darien Commission On Aging 203) 656-7300 The Commission on Aging is concerned with the needs of Darien’s seniors – and seniors-to-be – with regard to health, recreation, transportation and economics
Enfield Commission on Aging (860) 253-6300 The Commission on Aging was established to study the needs of and coordinate the programs for the aging
Granby Commission on Aging (860) 844-5351 The commission proposes and evaluates programs and services for the elderly in the community, and assists the town staff in the development, initiation, coordination, and implementation of programs and services for the elderly
Greenwich Commission on Aging (203) 622-7700 The mission of the Commission on Aging is to improve the quality of life for older Greenwich residents through planning, coordination, advocacy, education and Senior Center programming
Montville Commission on the Aging (860) 848-0422 The Montville Commission on the Aging plans, coordinate, develop and implement programs to meet the needs of the elderly and aging
New Fairfield Commission on the Aging (203) 312-5665 The Committee studies the conditions and needs of elderly persons in the Community in relation to housing, economic, employment, health, recreational, and other matters
Newtown Commission on Aging (203) 270-4310 The Newtown Commission on Aging coordinates programs for the elderly and aging in Newtown
North Central Connecticut Area Agency on Aging (800) 994-9422
[email protected]
NCAAA is a regional non-profit organization based in Hartford, CT, that provides planning, management of funding and advocacy services to older persons and their caregivers
Ridgefield Commission on Aging (203) 438-6165 The Ridgefield Commission on Aging identifies the needs of senior citizens living in Ridgefield and coordinates services that further their well-being
Senior Resources Agency on Aging (800) 690-6998
[email protected]
Senior Resources Agency on Aging’s mission is to provide access to information and services to empower adults to live with dignity
South Central Connecticut Area Agency on Aging (203-785-8533 South Central Connecticut Area Agency on Aging’s mission is to empower adults to remain as independent and engaged as possible within their communities through advocacy, information, and services
Southwestern Connecticut Area Agency on Aging (203) 333-9288
[email protected]
The mission of the Southwestern CT Agency on Aging is to provide leadership and resources to meet the needs of the rapidly growing older adult population and to maintain and improve the quality of life and independence of older persons and persons with disabilities
Stratford Commission on Aging (203) 385-4035
[email protected]
Stratford Commission on Aging studies the conditions and needs of elderly persons in the community in relation to housing, economic, employment, health, recreation and other matters
Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging (203) 757-5449 The mission of the Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging, Inc., is to develop, manage and provide comprehensive services for seniors, caregivers and individuals with disabilities through person-centered planning in order to maintain their independence and quality of life
Federal Medicare Advantage Resources
Resource Contact How they help
American Hospital Association – Medicare Advantage 1-800-424-4301 The AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends.
CMS.gov – Medicare Advantage Applications N/A This page provides important information on the application process for Part C Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare.gov – Medicare Advantage Plans 1-800-633-4227 This government website provides information on the Medicare Advantage program.
author-img
Insurance and health care consultant

Tammy Burns is an experienced health insurance advisor. She earned her nursing degree in 1990 from Jacksonville State University, obtained her insurance billing and coding certification in 1995, and holds a health and life insurance license in Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Burns is Affordable Care Act (ACA)-certified for health insurance and other ancillary, life, and annuity products. She maintains an active nursing license and practices private-duty nursing.

Burns’ background as a nurse, insurance biller and coder, and insurance consultant includes infectious disease, oncology, gynecology, phlebotomy, post operative, family medicine, geriatrics, home health, hospice, human resources, management, billing, coding, claims, fixed annuities, group and individual health and life products, and Medicare. She’s always been driven by a desire to help people, spending more than 25 years as a practicing nurse in hospitals, private doctors’ offices, home health, and hospice. As a nurse, Burns supported patients filing insurance claims with Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies as well as responding to billing questions from confused patients.

Seeing firsthand how unsuspecting patients are frequently confused by an overly complex system they don’t understand led Burns to become an insurance agent and health care consultant, now helping people understand the medical system. Since becoming an insurance agent in 2013, she has worked with some of the largest and most reputable insurance carriers and agencies in the nation, and she has built a large and loyal clientele by way of her commitment to transparency and personalized service.

Sources