Medicare Cost plans: The benefits and network to help you live healthier

We’re here to help you find a Medicare Cost plan that’s affordable, makes it easy to see doctors you trust and helps you get the benefits you need, including:

• Trusted networks of doctors and clinicians, featuring top care systems from across the Midwest
• Plans that include dental, vision and eyeglasses, hearing aids, travel coverage, and a fitness program through SilverSneakers^®
• Low monthly premiums, with preventive and primary care visit copays as low as $0

Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, you don’t need to be enrolled in both Original Medicare Parts A and B to enroll in a Medicare Cost plan. You can enroll even if you only have Part B.

Medicare Cost plans also work alongside Original Medicare. This means if you go out of network for care, your Original Medicare benefits will kick in for covered services. You can also drop your Cost plan and go back to Original Medicare at any time.

Medicare Cost plans often include features and benefits that you don’t get with Original Medicare, including:

• Generally lower costs than Original Medicare for in-network doctor visits and covered services
• Dental care
• Travel coverage
• Services like routine eye exams and hearing exams
• Fitness programs to keep you healthy

If you need prescription drug coverage, you can get it through:

• A Cost plan that includes Part D coverage
• A standalone Part D plan that works alongside your Cost plan (if your Cost plan doesn't include Part D coverage)
  

Like Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Cost plans have a network of doctors, providers, clinics and hospitals, which helps keep costs low.

But unlike Medicare Advantage plans, if you go out of your Cost plan’s network for covered care, your Original Medicare benefits will kick in. If that happens, you’ll pay the Part A or Part B coinsurance and deductibles.

We’ve made it simple – just head over to our compare Medicare plans page. Answer a few questions and we’ll help you explore and compare your options to find a plan that works for you.

From there, it’s easy to use our online shopping tool. All you need is your current ZIP code and county to compare all HealthPartners plans available in your area, including Medicare Cost plans. You can filter plans to find features you want and get details on the options you’re interested in. Plus, if you’re in an enrollment period, you can begin the application process for the plan that’s right for you.

There are several times throughout the year when you’re eligible to enroll in or change your Medicare Cost plan:

• Annual Enrollment Period: October 15 to December 7 –During Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP),you can enroll in a Medicare Cost plan for the first time or switch to a different plan. You can also drop your plan and go back to Original Medicare. Coverage from any new plan starts on January 1 of the next year.
• Initial Enrollment Period: When you turn 65 – If you sign up for Original Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), you can enroll in a private Medicare plan any time after you’ve signed up for Original Medicare and are still in your IEP.
• Special Enrollment Period (SEP) – After certain events, such as moving or losing your current Medicare plan, you may qualify for an SEP that allows you to enroll in a different plan.

At HealthPartners, we believe that a great Medicare Cost plan goes beyond excellent benefits and perks. We go further by making it easier to get the most out of your plan with flexible options for getting the care you need while managing costs.