What Are Your Medicare Options?

1. Original Medicare (Alone)

Medicare covers hospitalization (Part A) and out-patient benefits (Part B). If you have Original Medicare, you can also opt to purchase a Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) from a private insurance company.

You can have Medicare without any other insurance (such as a Medicare Supplement). The problem however, with having Medicare without any other insurance is that Medicare does not pay for everything. There are many gaps in Medicare’s coverage which have caused many people financial hardship.

2. Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement

This choice, in our opinion is the best choice for Medicare because it is affordable and predictable. When you get the right Medicare Supplement, all of your health care costs are covered at 100% (Part D Prescription Coverage is different. See below).

In addition, a Medicare Supplement plan gives you the freedom to go to any doctor or hospital anywhere, that will accept Medicare. If you get sick and you want to find the best quality health care options, this kind of plan gives you the freedom to do so.

3. Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement and a Prescription Drug Plan

This is the same as number two, except you can also purchase a separate Drug Plan. A Drug Plan offers coverage for your prescription medication. While coverage is not 100%, it offers tremendous help with the cost of your drugs.

You don’t have to buy a Drug Plan, but it is a good idea to do so, even if you don’t take many medicines. You will be penalized 1% per month for every month that you don’t have a Drug Plan.

4. Medicare Advantage

A Medicare Advantage Plan may be a good choice for your Medicare. A Medicare Advantage plan is an insurance plan, subsidized by the government and run by a private insurance company.

Some Medicare Advantage plans work with networks, such as HMO’s and PPO’s. By working with networks and “managed care,” these types of plans are often able to reduce their costs and offer you a plan for a lower (or even zero) premium.

Other Advantage Plans don’t work with networks (such as Private Fee for Service Plans, or PFFS) but may not be accepted by your doctor. With these types of plans, it is critical that you check with all of your health care providers to find out if they will accept your plan.

When comparing a Medicare Supplement and a Medicare Advantage plan, it is important to remember that if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan and later want to switch to a Medicare Supplement, you may not be able to if you have preexisting conditions.

Many Medicare Advantage Plans include (or bundle) a Prescription Drug Plan with your Medicare Insurance.

To find out what choices for Medicare may be best for your situation, call us now at 1-877-763-3442, or click below to compare Medicare Supplement rates now.

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