How to Find the Best Medicare Advantage Plan in Washington, DC

Despite being the nation’s capital, DC is fairly small.. Compared to more popular states for retirees like Arizona or Florida, only 13% of its population is over the age of 65, so DC has a smaller selection of Medicare Advantage plans. However, with 15 Medicare Advantage plans available, you still have options.

In any case, it’s important for you to understand what Medicare Advantage plans are and how to find a plan in DC that works for your unique healthcare needs.

Key takeaways:

• In DC, there are 15 Medicare Advantage plans you can enroll in for healthcare coverage. Highly-rated plans include those from Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and Aetna. 

• The best Medicare Advantage plans in DC depend on your individual health and financial wellness. Talk to a licensed Medicare Advisor for advice on how to find and enroll in the right one for you.

Quick facts about Medicare Advantage in DC

• 29% of Medicare beneficiaries in DC are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. 

• There are 15 Medicare Advantage plans available in DC.

• Carriers that provide Medicare Advantage plans in DC include Humana, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Kaiser Permanente, and Cigna.  

Top-rated plans in DC

Before we discuss what top-rated Medicare Advantage plans are available in DC, it’s important to understand that not every policy suits every person. Your coverage needs may be different from your neighbor’s. You’ll want to carefully consider all your healthcare needs and your financial situation before enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare star ratings

One way to compare plans is to check their star rating. Every year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rates the quality of Medicare Advantage plans by awarding them a 1-5 stars, with 1 star being the lowest quality and 5 stars being the highest quality. Since there are no 5-star Medicare Advantage plans available in DC, you’ll find insurance providers that carry 4.5-star and 4-star plans below.

Insurance providers with 4.5-star plans

• Humana

Insurance providers with 4-star plans

• UnitedHealthcare

• Aetna

Finding the best Medicare Advantage plan in DC

Medicare Advantage plans are appealing because they usually include extra benefits like routine vision, dental, and hearing services. Some plans even offer fitness memberships and over-the-counter (OTC) credits to pay for certain health and wellness items. 

While these additional benefits can be advantageous in many ways, there are certain aspects of Medicare Advantage plans that can make them more difficult to navigate. Here are a few tips to keep to keep in mind when trying to find the best Medicare Advantage plan for you:

Make a list of your priorities: Consider all your healthcare needs including your priorities for preventive care, prescriptions, and chronic conditions. Knowing this information can make it easier to anticipate your costs for coverage. Note any additional benefits that are important to you, like dental coverage if you need consistent routine care. 

Know your local healthcare facilities and providers: Most Medicare Advantage plans operate under a provider network, which means that it could cost you more to see a provider outside of your network. Make sure you know which providers and healthcare facilities near you are covered by your insurance. 

Understand your plan’s summary of benefits: Out-of-pocket costs vary depending on what plan you have. Since they aren’t standardized, you could end up paying more or less compared to other Medicare plans. Luckily, Medicare Advantage plans have a maximum out-of-pocket limit. If you’re concerned about what you’ll have to pay for coinsurance, copays, or deductibles, always check with your insurance carrier before undergoing the service. 

How to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan

With 15 Medicare Advantage plans to choose from in DC, it’s helpful to have the insights of a licensed Medicare Advisor. Finding the right one for you takes some time to evaluate. An Advisor can help you compare plans with your healthcare needs in mind and enroll in the best Medicare plan. To get free, personalized advice, call us at 855-900-2427 or book a time to talk.