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Medicare Health Plan Choices

Before choosing a plan we want to be sure you know the difference between your many options. In particular how Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage Plans differ.

Medicare Advantage

When considering dental and vision insurance, it’s important to understand the coverage limits, co-pays, and deductibles, as well as the network of providers, to ensure the plan meets your needs and provides cost-effective care for routine and specialized services.

Medicare Supplement

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare, offered by private insurance companies. It combines Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) coverage and often includes additional benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage. Medicare Advantage plans may have networks of doctors and hospitals, and costs can vary depending on the plan.

Choosing the right insurance plan involves assessing your specific needs, comparing coverage options, understanding costs, and considering provider networks to ensure you select a plan that offers comprehensive protection and value for your situation.

Detailed information

Medicare Health plan choices

Before selecting a plan, it’s important to understand the differences between your various options, especially how Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage Plans vary.

choices

  • Medicare Part D
  • Medicare Advantage Plans
  • Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are an “all in one” alternative to Original Medicare. They are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you still have Medicare. These “bundled” plans include Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance), and usually Medicare drug coverage (Part D).

Medicare Part D

Original Medicare doesn’t cover prescription drugs. Although Medicare Part D coverage is optional, it can be valuable if you take medications. You will pay a late-enrollment penalty if you don’t sign up for Medicare Part D Coverage when you are first eligible. You can get Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage either through an independent Prescription Drug Plan (PDP), or through a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans

A Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan is used with Original Medicare. Any caregiver that accepts Original Medicare will take a Supplement because they only need to bill Medicare. Medicare pays their part (generally 80% of Medicare covered benefits) and sends the remainder of the bill to the Supplement which pays their part (generally 20%). It is important to note that Supplements do NOT include Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D, PDP) and for those that do not get a PDP when first eligible there could be a penalty when you do get a PDP. A Medicare Supplement does not change year to year (although the cost does generally go up the coverage does not change).
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