Mere Benefits
Medicare Advantage Plans

Part C: A Different Path Than Original Medicare

Confused by Medicare Advantage? You’re not alone.

You’ve probably heard the promises—$0 premiums, bundled drug coverage, even extras like dental, vision, and hearing. It sounds great… until the fine print leaves you wondering what’s really included and what’s just marketing.

The truth? Medicare Advantage can be a smart choice—but only if the plan fits your unique situation.

At Mere, we help you cut through the noise. Our team walks you step-by-step through your options so you understand exactly what you’re signing up for. We don’t just check if your doctor is in-network—we check if your whole life fits the plan.

Before You Choose a Plan

Not all Medicare Advantage plans work the same way—and picking the wrong one could mean surprise bills, limited doctors, or coverage gaps when you least expect it. At Mere, we help you compare the details and avoid common pitfalls, so you can feel confident about the plan you choose.

Here are 6 Types of MAPD Plans:

Pros and Cons of Medicare Advantage

Medicare adavantege pros

  • Combines medical, hospital, and often prescription coverage in one plan

  • Includes extras like dental, vision, and hearing benefits

  • Often low or $0 premiums

  • Emergency and urgent care coverage included

  • Eligibility is not based on income or health history

Medicare advantage cons

  • Doctor networks are limited (you may need referrals or can’t see out-of-network providers)

  • Changing to a Medigap plan later may not be allowed or could require medical underwriting

  • Plan benefits, costs, and networks can change yearly

  • Higher potential out-of-pocket costs due to copays and coinsurance

Explore Special Medicare Options

Military man reading about the Medicare options he have

Get Expert Help Today

Our licensed advisors are ready to answer your questions and guide you toward the right coverage.

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What Do These Plans Cost?

Cost will vary along with plan type from county to county. The best thing to do is schedule a consultation with us so that we can review which plans are available in your area and determine if the plans available would offer you additional benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing benefits. You can also press the "Click to Call" button below to reach us today!

Frequently Asked Questions


For Self-Employed Individuals Exploring Health Insurance Outside the Marketplace

Do you offer Medicare 101 trainings or seminars?

Yes! We regularly host free Medicare 101 webinars and in-person seminars to help you understand your options and get your questions answered.

Check out our Events Page to find an upcoming webinar or seminar near you — and reserve your spot!

What is Medicare and who qualifies for it?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, certain younger individuals with disabilities, and those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Eligibility typically starts at age 65 based on your work history or your spouse’s.

What are the different parts of Medicare?

 Medicare includes:

  • Part A (hospital coverage)

  • Part B (medical coverage)

  • Part C (Medicare Advantage plans that bundle A, B, and often D)

  • Part D (prescription drug coverage — Learn more about Part D plans here)

Do I have to sign up for Medicare, or is it automatic?

If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you'll usually be enrolled automatically in Part A and Part B. Otherwise, you need to enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period. If you plan to add prescription coverage, be sure to explore Part D options here.

When should I enroll in Medicare?

Most people should enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period — a 7-month window surrounding your 65th birthday.

If you need additional protection beyond Original Medicare, you can learn about Medicare Supplement plans here.

What's the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?

  • Original Medicare (Part A and B) allows you to see any doctor who accepts Medicare nationwide.

  • Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered by private companies and often includes extras like dental, vision, or gym memberships. Learn more about Medicare Advantage plans here.

Do I need a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan?

Medicare Supplement plans help cover costs like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles that Original Medicare doesn't pay for.

If you want predictable out-of-pocket costs and nationwide provider access, read about Medicare Supplement options here.

Can I change my Medicare plan later?

Yes! You can:

  • Review your coverage annually during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7)

  • Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period after certain life events You can update your Part D, Medicare Supplement, or Medicare Advantage coverage based on your needs.

How do I avoid late enrollment penalties?

Enroll in Part B and Part D when you first become eligible unless you have qualifying employer coverage.

If you skip Part D coverage and don't have creditable drug coverage, you could face a lifelong penalty — Learn more about Part D here.

What if I’m still working past 65?

You might be able to delay Part B and Part D without penalty if your employer coverage qualifies. It's important to understand how that impacts future enrollment in Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plans.

How can Mere help me with Medicare?

Our licensed team helps you:

  • Understand your choices

  • Compare different plan types

  • Stay updated year after year We work with most major insurance companies and help you find the Medicare coverage that best fits your needs — at no cost to you.

What is a Certified Medicare Insurance Planner® (CMIP®) — and why does it matter?

A Certified Medicare Insurance Planner® (CMIP®) has completed advanced, specialized training in Medicare planning and solutions. This certification goes beyond basic licensing, equipping advisors to guide clients with greater expertise, strategy, and care. Choosing a CMIP® ensures you’re working with someone who deeply understands how Medicare fits into your overall retirement and healthcare planning.

Why should I work with Mere for my Medicare coverage?

At Mere, we believe Medicare should be simple, not overwhelming.

  • Our team is licensed, certified, and continuously trained to stay ahead of changes in Medicare.

  • We focus on listening first — helping you find the coverage that fits your unique needs.

  • We offer ongoing support year after year, not just at enrollment.

  • We work with most major insurance carriers and advocate for your best interest — not just one company’s plan. Our mission is simple: Helping you make informed, confident choices. (And there’s no cost to you for our services!)

What are the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage plans?

Medicare Advantage plans offer bundled coverage (hospital, medical, and usually prescriptions) and often include extra benefits like dental and vision. But they also come with trade-offs like limited networks and potential for higher out-of-pocket costs.

Unlock Your Medicare Confidence


Feeling overwhelmed by all the choices?

We created a step-by-step guide to make Medicare — and Social Security — simple.

We created a step-by-step guide to make Medicare — and Social Security — simple.

This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed insurance agent with Mere is contracted with multiple carriers offering Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans. Enrollment depends on contract renewal. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY:1-877-486-2048) to get information on all your options.

This site is owned and operated by Mere, an independent insurance agency. It is not associated with, endorsed by, or authorized by the Social Security Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. For official information about Medicare, visit www.medicare.gov.

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Certified Medicare Insurance Planner™

DBA, authorizes the use of its trademarks CMIP®, and Certified Medicare Insurance Planner™ to agents that have met Certified Medicare Insurance Planner™, DBA administration's initial and ongoing requirements. The Federal Government, CMS, and Medicare do not affiliate with or endorse ANY professional designation, which includes the CMIP® designation.

Need Help? The MereCare Team is here for you year-round.

Licensed Insurance Agency


We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency, including the United States government, the federal Medicare program, the Social Security Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

This is a proprietary website and is not associated with Healthcare.gov.


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