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ESRD and Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage (MA), also known as Medicare Part C, is an option for people who are on Medicare and diagnosed with end stage renal disease (ESRD). Medicare Advantage plans bundle Original Medicare Part A and Part B into one plan. In many cases, it also includes Part D prescription drug coverage.

What makes Medicare Advantage different from other Medicare plans?

Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative way to receive your Original Medicare Part A, Part B, and usually Medicare Part D. Be sure to compare the benefits, costs, and potential savings of a plan before you make a change to your current coverage. Other factors to consider include:

  • Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional benefits—benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.
  • Many Medicare Advantage plans include prescription coverage which means you won't need a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan—which typically has its own monthly plan premium.
  • With Medicare Advantage plans, you have one plan to manage—which means one insurance card.
  • Medicare Advantage plans use networks similar to employer group health plans—so it’s important to make sure your doctors are in-network.
  • Medicare Advantage plans are managed by private health insurance companies—Original Medicare is managed by the federal government.

Am I eligible for Medicare Advantage?

If you already have Medicare Part A and Part B, you can choose a Medicare Advantage plan that’s offered in your area. People with ESRD who are eligible for Medicare can choose a Medicare Advantage plan.

Get helpful answers to frequently asked questions

Click on a question to reveal the explanation.

It’s important to consider all costs when figuring out which health plan is right for your needs. To make sure you’re choosing your right coverage, visit Medicare.gov, or talk to an independent licensed insurance agent for more information on Medicare Advantage.

When you review Medicare Advantage plans consider checking to see if you are eligible for Medicaid as a secondary insurance. An independent licensed insurance agency, like SelectQuote or eHealth*, can help you compare plan options and enroll in a plan. Call SelectQuote at 1-855-259-8449 (TTY: 1-877-486-2048) to speak with a licensed insurance agent or visit SelectQuote.com/FreseniusKidneyCare. Call eHealth* at 1-877-401-1742 (TTY: 711) to speak with a licensed insurance agent or visit eHealth.com/FreseniusKidneyCare

Learn what CMS is saying about Medicare Advantage here.

Every year, there are new plans that may have new benefits, and new types of coverage. Even if you’ve considered or enrolled in Medicare Advantage in the past and decided it wasn’t right for you, there may be a plan that’s right for you this year.

If you already have Medicare and you’re diagnosed with end stage renal disease (ESRD), you are eligible for Medicare Advantage. Talk to your insurance coordinator or contact an independent licensed insurance agent for more information.

With a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription coverage, all of your coverage is in a single plan. You are considered fully insured—you will not need to purchase a separate prescription drug plan or Medicare Supplement plan. Because you are getting all your coverage benefits in 1 plan instead of several, you will have the convenience of 1 insurance card.
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Enrollment in a plan may be limited to certain times of the year unless you qualify for a special enrollment period or you are in your Medicare Initial Election Period.

*This information is from eHealth, an insurance agency selling plans from many insurance companies. This information is not from the government.
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Discuss your insurance coverage options with an independent, licensed insurance agent—like those at SelectQuote or eHealth. Call SelectQuote at 1-855-259-8449 (TTY: 1-877-486-2048).  Call eHealth* at 1-877-401-1742 (TTY: 711).


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