Medicare Advantage (also called Part C) is offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans combine your Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) coverage in one card, and many also include prescription drug coverage and extras like dental, vision, or hearing.
Steven Sewald takes the time to explain how these plans work in Colorado, compare options side by side, and help you understand the trade-offs — at no cost and with no pressure to enroll.
A Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) is an “all-in-one” alternative to Original Medicare. Instead of getting Part A and Part B directly from the federal government, you receive your benefits through a private insurance company that contracts with Medicare.
Most Medicare Advantage plans in Colorado include:
- All the benefits of Medicare Part A and Part B
- Often Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage
- Extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, over-the-counter allowances, or gym memberships (varies by plan)
You still remain in the Medicare program, but the plan — not Original Medicare — manages your benefits, network, and out-of-pocket costs.
| What to consider | What this might mean for you |
|---|---|
| Your doctors and hospitals | Are your preferred doctors and hospitals in the plan’s network, and do you mind staying within a network to save on costs? |
| Prescriptions | Do your medications appear on the plan’s drug list (formulary), and what will your copays be at your preferred pharmacy? |
| Out-of-pocket costs | How do premiums, copays, and the annual out-of-pocket maximum compare to what you might pay with other options? |
| Travel and lifestyle | Do you mostly get care close to home in Colorado, or do you spend long periods in other states and need broader access? |
| Referrals and specialists | Are you comfortable working with a primary care doctor for referrals (common in HMOs), or do you prefer more flexibility (often in PPOs)? |
If you feel unsure after looking at these questions, you are not alone. Steven can walk through your situation step by step, so you can see whether a Medicare Advantage plan, a Medigap policy, or another option may better fit your needs and budget.
We offer personal, one-on-one guidance to help you evaluate Medicare Advantage plans in Colorado:
- Review your needs and current coverage. We talk about your health conditions, doctors, prescriptions, and what is working or not working with your existing coverage.
- Check your doctors and medications. We look up your physicians, hospitals, and prescriptions to see how they are treated under different plan options.
- Compare plan choices side by side. We review premiums, copays, maximum out-of-pocket limits, extra benefits, and network rules in clear, plain language.
- Help you enroll, if you decide to. If you choose a plan, Steven can guide you through enrollment using the carrier’s or Medicare’s official tools.
There is never a fee for our guidance, and you are never pressured to choose a particular plan.
Do Medicare Advantage plans replace Medicare?
You still have Medicare and must continue to pay your Part B premium. With a Medicare Advantage plan, you receive your Part A and Part B benefits through the plan instead of directly through Original Medicare.
What do I pay with a Medicare Advantage plan?
Most plans have a monthly premium (some may be as low as $0), plus copays or coinsurance when you use services. Each plan also has a yearly limit on what you pay out of pocket for covered medical services.
Can I see any doctor?
Many Medicare Advantage plans use networks. You may pay less when you see in-network providers, and some plans require you to use the network except in emergencies. We will review how this works for any plan you are considering.
Do I need referrals?
Some HMO plans require referrals from your primary care doctor to see certain specialists. PPO plans may allow you to see specialists without referrals, often at a different cost level.
Can I change my Medicare Advantage plan?
In most cases, you can make changes once a year during the Annual Enrollment Period, and in certain situations you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Steven can help you review whether a change may make sense.
| Enrollment period | When it happens | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) | The 7-month window around your 65th birthday (3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after) or when you first get Medicare Part B. | You can first enroll in Medicare Advantage (or choose other coverage options) if you are eligible. |
| Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) | Each year from October 15 to December 7. | You can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan. Changes usually take effect January 1. |
| Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) | Each year from January 1 to March 31, if you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. | You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare (with or without a separate Part D plan). |
| Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) | Triggered by certain life events, such as moving, qualifying for certain types of assistance, or your plan leaving the area. | You may be able to enroll in, switch, or leave a Medicare Advantage plan outside the standard windows. We can help you determine if you qualify. |
Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan is an important decision, and you deserve clear information and a patient guide. Steven will listen to your questions, review your situation, and walk you through options at no cost.
To request a Medicare Advantage review, you can call/text 303-875-8891, or send a message using the form on this page or the Contact page.
Sewald Insurance serves clients throughout Colorado. We are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the Federal Medicare program.
You can also reach us directly at
- Cell/Text: 303-875-8891
If we miss your call, we will return it as soon as possible.
There is no cost and no obligation to enroll in any plan.