Medicare Advantage Plans in Cherokee County, AL:
Your Complete 2025 Guide
Discover 32 Medicare Advantage plans in Cherokee County for 2025. These plans combine your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits into one convenient plan, and may offer additional benefits such as dental, hearing and/or vision and/or fitness. There may not be a plan in your area that has all of these benefits in one plan.
Types of Medicare Advantage Plans in Cherokee County, AL
With 32 Medicare Advantage plans available in Cherokee County for 2025, you have a range of options to choose from. However, there are no 5-star plans available this year. Here’s a breakdown of your choices:
Summary of Medicare Advantage Plan Types Available in Cherokee County, Alabama
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans: These plans (16 available) offer flexibility with out-of-network care at a higher cost. The average monthly premium for these plans is $18.01.
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans: These plans (12 available) require in-network care and generally have lower costs. The average monthly premium for these plans is $14.58.
- HMO Point-of-Service (HMO-POS) Plans: These plans (4 available) blend HMO and PPO features, allowing some out-of-network care. The average monthly premium for these plans is $8.00.
- Special Needs Plans (SNP): These highly specialized Medicare Advantage plans cater to individuals with specific healthcare needs. Learn more here: Medicare Special Needs Plans in Cherokee County, AL .
Medicare Advantage PPO Plans
With Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans, you have the freedom to visit both in-network and out-of-network providers. These plans may have higher costs for out-of-network services but offer more flexibility than other plan types, making them a good fit for those who value provider choice.
| Plan Name | Rating* | Premium/Mo | MOOP | Rx Ded. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna Medicare Eagle | $0 | $7,900 | N/A | |
| Aetna Medicare Freedom | $0 | $7,900 | $590 | |
| Aetna Medicare Value Plus | $10 | $9,350 | $590 | |
| Blue Advantage Choice | $0 | $5,500 | $440 | |
| Blue Advantage Complete | $30 | $5,100 | $0 | |
| Blue Advantage Premier | $153 | $2,900 | $0 | |
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC AL-0004 | $0 | $6,700 | $420 | |
| Humana USAA Honor Giveback | $0 | $4,150 | N/A | |
| HumanaChoice H5216-368 | $10 | $3,000 | $590 | |
| HumanaChoice R0110-017 | $0 | $4,850 | N/A | |
| HumanaChoice R0110-018 | $86 | $6,700 | $590 | |
| Cigna True Choice Access Medicare | $0 | $5,800 | $0 | |
| Cigna True Choice Medicare | $0 | $4,600 | $0 | |
| Devoted CHOICE Alabama | $0 | $6,200 | $590 | |
| Devoted CHOICE GIVEBACK Alabama | $0 | $7,900 | $590 | |
| Devoted LIBERTY CHOICE Alabama | $0 | $7,900 | N/A | |
| *Every year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. | ||||
- Out-of-Network Costs: PPO plans allow you to see out-of-network providers, but this flexibility often comes with higher costs. Evaluate additional costs if you prefer providers outside the plan's network.
- Provider Network: Verify your preferred doctors and specialists are in-network to lower costs. If flexibility is important, confirm the network meets your needs.
- Premiums and Out-of-Pocket Maximums: Compare premiums and out-of-pocket maximums across plans. Higher premiums may provide more coverage, but assess if benefits justify additional cost.
- Additional Benefits: Many PPO plans include extras like dental, vision, or fitness programs. Assess which benefits align best with your healthcare priorities, keeping in mind availability varies.
Medicare Advantage HMO Plans
With Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans, you typically need to stay within the plan's network of doctors and hospitals. In return, these plans usually offer lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious enrollees.
| Plan Name | Rating* | Premium/Mo | MOOP | Rx Ded. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Courage Medicare | $0 | $5,750 | N/A | |
| Cigna Preferred AL Medicare | $0 | $8,850 | $0 | |
| Cigna Preferred Full Savings Medicare | $0 | $5,750 | $0 | |
| Cigna Preferred Medicare | $0 | $4,750 | $0 | |
| Cigna Preferred Plus Medicare | $19 | $4,750 | $0 | |
| VIVA Medicare Plus | $0 | $9,350 | $300 | |
| VIVA Medicare Premier | $103 | $6,500 | $100 | |
| VIVA Medicare Prime | $53 | $7,500 | $200 | |
| VIVA Medicare Select | $0 | $9,350 | N/A | |
| Devoted CORE Alabama | $0 | $5,500 | $590 | |
| Devoted GIVEBACK Alabama | $0 | $6,750 | $590 | |
| Humana Gold Plus H5619-089 | $0 | $6,100 | $590 | |
| * Every year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. | ||||
- In-Network Care: HMO plans generally require you to use in-network providers for all non-emergency care. Verify your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals are in-network before enrolling.
- Primary Care Referrals: Many HMO plans require referrals from your primary care doctor to see specialists. Be comfortable with this care coordination requirement.
- Lower Costs: HMO plans typically have lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs compared to other plan types, beneficial if cost savings are your priority.
- Additional Benefits: Some HMO plans offer extras like dental, vision, or fitness programs. Evaluate which benefits are most important, noting availability may vary.
Medicare Advantage HMO-POS Plans
HMO Point-of-Service (HMO-POS) plans combine features of both HMO and PPO plans. You’ll have the flexibility to see out-of-network providers, but at a higher cost than in-network care. This can be a good option if you want the cost savings of an HMO but still want some freedom to go out-of-network when needed.
| Plan Name | Rating* | Premium/Mo | MOOP | Rx Ded. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC AL-0003 | $0 | $5,400 | $340 | |
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC AL-0001 | $0 | $5,900 | $420 | |
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC AL-0002 | $32 | $4,500 | $340 | |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx AL-MA01 | $0 | $5,900 | N/A | |
| * Every year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. | ||||
- Out-of-Network Costs: HMO-POS plans allow out-of-network providers, but at higher costs. Evaluate potential extra costs for out-of-network care.
- In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Care: Compare coverage options between in-network and out-of-network care. Decide if flexibility justifies additional expenses.
- Referral Requirements: Many HMO-POS plans require a referral from your primary care doctor for specialist visits. Confirm you're comfortable with this requirement.
- Additional Benefits: Many HMO-POS plans include extras like dental, vision, or fitness programs. Determine which benefits best match your healthcare needs, acknowledging that not all benefits may be available in every plan.
Choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan in Cherokee County requires knowing the right time to enroll. Whether it’s your first time enrolling in Medicare or you’re switching plans, understanding the different enrollment periods will help you get the right coverage for your health needs.
When to Enroll
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Enroll in Medicare during this period, which starts three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after. This is your first opportunity to select a Medicare Advantage plan. Learn more
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): From January 1 to March 31, you can switch your current Medicare Advantage plan to a new one or return to Original Medicare if your current plan no longer suits you. Learn more
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Occurring annually from October 15 to December 7, this period allows you to adjust your Medicare coverage for the upcoming year. Learn more
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): If certain life events, such as moving or losing coverage, apply to you, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to make changes to your plan. Learn more
How to Enroll
- Speak with a Licensed Agent: Speak with a licensed health insurance agent from HealthCompare 1-833-748-3201 (TTY 711) (Mon-Fri 5am-6pm, Sat 6am-5pm PST) for personalized guidance.
- Reach Out to the Plan Provider: Visit the plan provider’s website or call their customer service line to enroll directly.
- Go to Medicare.gov: Explore plan options and enroll online at Medicare.gov.
What types of Medicare Advantage plans are available?
Medicare Advantage plans come in different types, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS), and Special Needs Plans (SNPs). Each plan type offers different levels of flexibility in choosing healthcare providers and services.
Do Medicare Advantage plans cover prescription drugs?
Many Medicare Advantage plans, known as Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans, include prescription drug coverage. These plans bundle Medicare Parts A, B, and D into one plan. However, not all Medicare Advantage plans include drug coverage, so it's important to check before enrolling.
Are there any additional costs with Medicare Advantage plans?
While Medicare Advantage plans often have lower premiums than Original Medicare, you may still have out-of-pocket costs such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. The costs can vary depending on the specific plan and services you use.
What happens if I’m already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and want to switch?
If you want to switch your Medicare Advantage plan, you can do so during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7, or during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) from January 1 to March 31. Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) may also apply in certain circumstances.
Can I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan if I have pre-existing conditions?
Yes, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan even if you have pre-existing conditions. Medicare Advantage plans cannot deny you coverage or charge you more based on your health status.
How do I qualify for a Special Enrollment Period?
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you experience certain life events, such as moving to a new area, losing other health coverage, or becoming eligible for Medicaid. SEPs allow you to make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan outside of the standard enrollment periods.
The MA and MAPD plans on this page are available to people on Medicare enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B living in Cedar Bluff, Centre, Gaylesville, Leesburg, and all other areas of Cherokee County, Alabama.
Plans Offered for Enrollment through Medicare.org
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans and benefits offered by the following carriers: Aetna Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aspire Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Capital Blue Cross, Cigna Healthcare, Dean Health Plan, Devoted Health, Florida Blue Medicare, Freedom Health, GlobalHealth, Health Care Service Corporation, Healthy Blue, HealthSun, Humana, Molina Healthcare, Mutual of Omaha, Medica Central Health Plan, Optimum HealthCare, Premera Blue Cross, SCAN Health Plan, Simply, UnitedHealthcare(R), Wellcare, WellPoint.
CMS Plan IDs Presented
The Medicare Advantage plan pages listed in the tables above include localization to assist beneficiaries with plans available in their service area. However, most Part C plans are available in more than one service area, which can lead to confusion. The following list of CMS IDs links to our master plan pages without localization.
- CMS.gov, "Medicare Advantage Plan Fact Sheet", Last Accessed 25 May, 2025
- Medicare.gov, "Your coverage options", Last Accessed 25 May, 2025
- NCOA.org, "5 Steps to Choosing the Right Medicare Plan for You", Last Accessed 25 May, 2025
- CMS.gov, Landscape Source Files, Last Accessed March 15, 2025