We’re here today at Aines, Carter & Associates in LaGrange, Kentucky which also provides service to the Louisville community  We’re going to discuss zero premium Medicare Advantage plans. You see that advertised quite a bit on TV and in the mail. A common question we receive is, “How can they not charge a premium for these plans?” The first thing I’ll address is, your Medicare Advantage plan replaces original Medicare. It’s Medicare Advantage Plans are contracted out from Medicare to the private health insurance companies. You must continue to pay your Part B premium of Medicare to participate. The other way the insurance company is paid, is when you start using the plan. You’re going to pay a co-pay when you go to your primary care physician. You’re going to pay a co-pay when you see a specialist. You’re going to have co-insurance for medical equipment. You’re going to have hospital co-pays. When you’re using your Medicare Advantage plan, that’s when you start paying and that’s when our clients start to see cost for their health care. I hope this helps, and thank you for your time.