Learn About Medicare Coverage Options
Complete the form below to request help reviewing Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap options.
What Is Original Medicare?
Original Medicare is the federal Medicare program. It includes Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Part A helps cover hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health services.
Part B helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, medical supplies, preventive services, and other medically necessary services. Original Medicare gives people broad provider access because many doctors and hospitals accept Medicare.
What Is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage is another way to receive Medicare benefits. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They provide Part A and Part B coverage through the plan.
Many Medicare Advantage plans may also include prescription drug coverage and extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, fitness, transportation, or over-the-counter allowances. Benefits and costs vary by plan and location.
What Is Medigap?
Medigap is also called Medicare Supplement Insurance. It works with Original Medicare and helps pay some out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare does not fully cover.
Medigap may help with costs such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. It does not replace Original Medicare. Instead, it helps reduce some of the remaining costs after Medicare pays its share.
Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage vs Medigap
Original Medicare gives you Part A and Part B coverage through the federal program. Medicare Advantage gives you another way to receive Medicare benefits through a private Medicare-approved plan.
Medigap works only with Original Medicare. It helps pay some cost-sharing amounts. However, Medigap does not work with Medicare Advantage plans.
The right path depends on your doctors, prescriptions, budget, travel needs, and comfort with provider networks.
How to Compare Medicare Coverage Options
First, review whether your doctors and hospitals accept the coverage option you are considering. Then, check your prescription drugs, pharmacy access, monthly premiums, copays, deductibles, and yearly out-of-pocket limits.
Also, review extra benefits carefully. A plan may look attractive because of dental, vision, or hearing benefits, but provider access and prescription costs still matter.
When Should You Review Medicare Options?
Many people review Medicare options when they turn 65, retire, lose employer coverage, move to a new area, or experience changes in healthcare needs.
Medicare coverage decisions can affect doctors, prescriptions, costs, and benefits. That is why it helps to compare your options before choosing coverage.
Get Help Reviewing Medicare Coverage
Speak with a licensed insurance agent to review your Medicare options based on your needs.
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