Understanding Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, is an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A & B). Administered by private insurers approved by Medicare, these plans bundle hospital (A), medical (B), and often prescription drug (Part D) coverage into one policy. Many also include extras like dental, vision, hearing, and wellness programs Wikipedia.
Advantages often include:
- Convenient all-in-one coverage
- Out-of-pocket maximums
- Potential $0‑premium options beyond the standard Part B premium NerdWalletHealthlineHyers & Associates
Why Zanesville, Ohio Residents Should Explore Medicare Advantage
Local Enrollment Options
Muskingum County, where Zanesville is located, offers multiple Medicare Advantage providers. Residents can enroll during:
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
- Annual Election Period (AEP; Oct 15–Dec 7)
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan 1–Mar 31)
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) for qualifying life events Medicare.org
Accepted Providers at Local Major Healthcare Facilities
Genesis HealthCare System, serving Zanesville, does not accept Anthem or Humana Medicare Advantage plans in 2024. However, they do accept these other providers:
- Aetna Medicare Advantage
- Medical Mutual of Ohio
- MediGold
- UnitedHealthcare
- CareSource Medicare Advantage
- The Health Plan Medicare Advantage
- AllWell Buckeye Medicare Advantage
- Valor Health Plan Medicare Advantage Genesis Healthcare System+1
Helpful Local Resources
- Genesis organizes free sessions with OSHIIP (Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program) counselors. These sessions help evaluate plans and confirm in-network providers—useful for those enrolled in Anthem or Humana who want alternatives Genesis Healthcare System.
- Local insurance brokers in Zanesville:
- The Forker Company
- McInturf Insurance Group
- Rankin Insurance Services
- Williamson Insurance Service
- Zylinsky Insurance Inc.
- ProCore Health Brokers
- AJD Senior Insurance Services Genesis Healthcare System
Ohio’s Medicare Advantage Landscape (2025 Highlights)
- 224 Medicare Advantage plans are available statewide—up from 217 in 2024 Healthline+1.
- The average monthly premium dropped modestly from $16.12 in 2024 to $15.51 in 2025, and $0-premium plans are available NerdWalletHealthline.
- Top-rated providers (4.5 stars) in Ohio include:
- Aetna
- Devoted Health
- MediGold
- PrimeTime Health Plan
- SummaCare
- The Health Plan
- UPMC for Life NerdWallet
- 4‑Star providers include:
- Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield
- Humana
- Medical Mutual of Ohio
- UnitedHealthcare
- Paramount Elite Medicare Plans NerdWallet
- Cost considerations:
- Many plans have lower copays and coinsurance compared to Original Medicare, with capped out‑of‑pocket costs Medicare Advantage Plans.
- Extras may include dental, vision, hearing, fitness memberships, transportation, meal delivery, and even Part B premium givebacks Hyers & Associates+1MedicareWireReddit.
What Residents Say: Insights from Medicare Users in Ohio
- One Medicare user praised the cost savings and extra benefits:
“Yes potentially $50k+ in premium savings over 20 years. Plus additional savings from … dental, vision, hearing aid, OTC debit card, gym membership.”
Another facing Anthem network changes advised:
“Switch to another plan that will have OSU in network before the end of AEP.”
These testimonials underscore the value of comparing coverage, networks, and benefits—especially in light of changing provider networks.
Practical Steps for Zanesville Medicare Beneficiaries
1. Confirm Your Healthcare Preferences
- Is staying with Genesis HealthCare System a priority? Then rule out Anthem and Humana if they’re out-of-network Genesis Healthcare System.
2. Compare Plans Carefully
Evaluate providers’:
- Provider network compatibility
- Prescription drug coverage
- Extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing, wellness)
- Premiums, deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums
- Premium givebacks if available NerdWalletHyers & AssociatesMedicare Advantage PlansUS Insurance AgentsConnie Health
3. Use Available Support
- Attend Genesis/OSHIIP workshops.
- Consult a local insurance broker for personalized help—there's no cost for their assistance Genesis Healthcare System.
4. Act During Enrollment Windows
- Use AEP (Oct 15–Dec 7) for plan changes for the upcoming year.
- Use OEP (Jan 1–Mar 31) for additional switches or returning to Original Medicare Medicare.org.
5. Stay Updated
Annual plan changes (including network shifts or benefit adjustments) are common—review your coverage every year, especially during open enrollment.
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