Viva Medicare is an important and valuable provider of Medicare Advantage. Its coverage goes beyond what Original Medicare offers and includes additional benefits like routine vision and dental care. It provides individuals with access to quality healthcare services and peace of mind that their health needs will be covered. All of us should take the time to learn more about Viva Medicare and discover how it can provide access to better care for our families.
The History
Viva Health was founded in 2018 and has been providing important health insurance coverage ever since. Its mission is to provide quality, affordable healthcare coverage to the millions of individuals eligible for Medicare Advantage plans. It offers a variety of plan options and strives to meet the individual needs of its members. Its commitment to providing excellent service led to it being ranked as one of the highest-rated Medicare Advantage insurers in 2020 by U.S. News & World Report.
Viva Medicare Advantage Coverage
Viva Health offer Medicare Advantage plans in Alabama, helping individuals find the coverage that is right for them. The company has offices, help centers, and healthcare service providers located across the state, making it easy to get information and access these plans.
Individuals can search for the right plan in their area using the company’s online plan finder tool.
Viva Medicare Advantage plans include:
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) – this plan offers a network of providers across Alabama, including doctors, clinics, and pharmacies. Generally speaking, if someone uses a provider outside this network they may have to cover the entire cost or pay more. However, all emergency services are covered no matter what network is used.
- HMO Special Needs plan – also known as the Viva Medicare Extra Value Plan, this option provides coverage for individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. This plan either has a low cost or no cost associated with it.
Here is a list of key features of their Medicare Advantage Plans:
- Preventative Care Coverage: Viva Medicare Advantage plans include coverage for annual check-ups, mammograms, preventive screenings, and other diagnostic testing.
- Prescription Drugs: Most plans provide coverage for generic drugs as well as brand name drugs. Some plans also offer mail order pharmacy services.
- Hospitalization: Plans provide inpatient hospital care coverage as well as up to 90 days of post-hospital care in a skilled nursing facility or hospice.
- Ambulance Services: Ambulance services are covered in most areas.
- Vision Benefits: Viva Medicare Advantage plans include vision benefits like an annual eye exam, eyeglasses frames and lenses, contact lenses and laser vision correction surgery.
- Dental Services: Dental services may be offered with some plans, covering basic services such as cleaning, x-rays and fillings.
Viva Medicare Cost
According to MedicalNewsToday, Viva Health’s Medicare Advantage plans have a variety of costs associated with them, including monthly premiums, copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. The 2021 costs for some of these plans at different locations in Alabama can be found in the table below.
Viva Medicare Membership Benefits
Viva Health provides a range of benefits and services to its members. These include access to a network of healthcare professionals, online tools for making appointments and tracking health records, discounts on certain medical services, and discounts for prescriptions. Members also have the opportunity to join classes or seminars held by Viva Health that can help them better manage their healthcare.
In addition, plan members can find answers to their Medicare questions at Viva Health Cafes. The VCare Program, a free wellness program for those with specific care management needs, is also available through Viva Health. This program employs a nurse who will work with each individual to help them stick to their care plan, allowing them to become more self-sufficient and active in their lifestyle.
Viva Medicare Ratings
Viva Health received a 4.5-star rating in Medicare's Quality Performance Score, as assessed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This score reflects Viva Health's commitment to providing high-quality care and services for its members. The rating also includes multiple measures of outcomes and patient experience, such as customer satisfaction, the effectiveness of care, and how well preventive health services are delivered. Members can be confident that their healthcare needs will be met with excellence under Viva Health's direction.
Pros and Cons
Viva Health offers a range of advantages for members. Services such as detailed healthcare advice, individualized Wellness Plans to support personalized health goals, and the ability to find nearby doctors and hospitals are all easy to use. The plan also provides coverage for many preventive services and lower co-pays for in-network doctors. All of this combined makes for an easier and more comprehensive health plan experience for those who choose Viva Health.
Despite the many positive features of Viva Health, there can be some drawbacks for members. The plan does not include coverage for out-of-network providers and services, which means added costs for care or treatments that do not fall within the network. Additionally, co-payments may still be expensive in some cases due to higher out-of-pocket expenses. Lastly, it can be difficult to find a provider who accepts Viva Health's insurance plan in certain areas due to limited availability.
Viva Medicare Vs. Competitors
Viva Health also offers flexibility in terms of payment options, allowing members to choose between monthly premiums or a lump sum up-front. This is particularly helpful for those who may have difficulty affording the upfront cost of traditional health care plans. Additionally, there are no signup fees, claims processing fees, or annual deductibles associated with their plan. Lastly, its network includes a wide range of specialists and services, from dentists and vision care providers to mental health counselors and home health nurses. Together, these features make them an attractive option for members seeking a comprehensive yet cost-effective coverage solution.
Here is a list of their competitors:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Viva Medicare an HMO?
Viva Health is an HMO plan, which means members have access to a network of doctors and hospitals. This network is coordinated by the plan, allowing members to receive care from in-network facilities covered by their specific plan. When choosing a provider, members should also be aware that they will be required to select a primary care physician (PCP) who will coordinate all of their medical services within the network. In addition, a referral may be needed for some specialists and tests, depending on the particular plan.
What is the difference between HMO and PPO Medicare Advantage?
HMO and PPO Medicare Advantage plans offer similar coverage, but there are some key differences. HMO plans require members to receive care within a specific network of doctors and hospitals, while PPOs provide more flexibility since members can receive care from providers both in- and out-of-network with varying levels of coverage. Additionally, the cost for services may vary depending on whether or not they are received from an in-network provider. With a HMO, premiums tend to be lower than a PPO plan because of their more restricted nature. However, PPO plans often have higher out-of-pocket costs for members who choose to go outside of their network for care. Ultimately, both types of plans can provide quality healthcare at an affordable price if the member understands the nuances between them.
What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
Original Medicare is a government-sponsored program that provides eligible beneficiaries with Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical insurance. This coverage applies to doctor's visits, hospital stays, durable medical equipment, and other medically necessary services. With Original Medicare, beneficiaries are responsible for out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles and coinsurances. On the other hand, Medicare Advantage plans are available through private insurers and are an alternative to Original Medicare. These plans cover all of the same benefits as Original Medicare but often also include additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage and vision/hearing care. Unlike Original Medicare, most Medicare Advantage plans have no or lower out-of-pocket costs beyond any monthly premiums members may pay.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, Viva Medicare Advantage plans offer eligible members an array of benefits, including prescription drug coverage and lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare. With flexible network options, lower premiums and greater coverage, Viva Medicare Advantage can provide high quality healthcare at a reasonable cost. So whether you’re looking for a better alternative to Original Medicare or want more comprehensive coverage with no hidden surprises, Viva Medicare Advantage is the plan for you!
Coverage Guru is a one-stop shop for finding the best Medicare health plan for you. Our team of experts can help customize your search, so you can get the best coverage for your individual needs and budget. Through our platform, we can generate a variety of medicare quotes from multiple carriers to make sure you’re getting the best coverage at the lowest rate available. We work with industry-leading health insurance providers to provide quick and easy access to all of your insurance needs - including Medicare Advantage plans - so that you have peace of mind knowing that you’re protecting your future with quality healthcare coverage. Call (858) 295-3438 today to speak with a licensed agent today!