Medicare Part C Questions.

This is a complicated subject. Lots of options depending on your needs and circumstances.

We used a Medicare supplement through AARP/United Healthcare. It provides coverage anywhere Medicare is accepted.
Sounds like you have a. HMO/PPO sort of plan that restricts you to doctors/facilities that are part of the plan.

Go to the AARP site and poke around. The premium is based on your home of record and the type plan you choose. We paid right at $200 per person per month. On top of that, add part D coverage. We had the minimal plan through WalMart. Costs about $18/month.

Medicare has a great website that will search policies available where you live and give you their rating of the policy and an approximate cost. Check it out.

JMHO, but I think Medicare Advantage plans are risky. I have seen people lose their coverage when the company went belly up and it's not easy to get back on regular Medicare. And, as you have stated, they are not as portable. Perhaps it would be better to stick with Medicare and get a supplemental policy that offers nationwide and foreign travel coverage and also a Medicare D policy for prescription drugs.

I got rid of my advantage plan, it was too restrictive and it will get worse with Obamacare. I have Medicare Part A, B, Medigap supplement plan F and Part D and I go where I want with no deductible, no co pay and no co insurance, as long as the doc or facility takes medicare.