With so many Medicare plans to choose from, finding the right one can seem next to impossible. And, once you do have a Medicare plan, it’s easy to think that you may not have your best option. Let’s take a look at Medicare plans and which one is right for you.
Your Coverage Options
The main types of Medicare plans you can choose from are Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), Part D, Medicare Advantage (Part C), and Medigap (Medicare Supplements).
If You Have Original Medicare
Let’s start with the basics. Some people are fine with just Original Medicare, and that’s great. You may be an Original Medicare person if you don’t expect to use your benefits very often and just want low-cost, basic coverage.
It also doesn’t cover much. If you find yourself, say, in need of a prescription, you’ll likely be at a loss with Original Medicare alone. Or, you may even find that switching to another plan (hint: Medicare Advantage) provides the same coverage with some extra benefits as well.
Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage is a fantastic option for people who don’t want to pay much more than their basic Original Medicare costs but want a lower-price option.
Medicare Advantage provides all of the same benefits as Original Medicare. The difference? Medicare Advantage coordinates your care, thus lowering your out-of-pocket costs.
Part C also provides some extra benefits depending on the plan you choose. This may include limited dental, vision, and hearing benefits. Many Advantage plans will also include prescription drug coverage.
That’s the other thing with Medicare Advantage—since it’s provided by individual insurance providers, costs and coverage will vary depending on your area and the provider you choose. To make sure you have the right Advantage plan, keep up-to-date on available plans in your area, and switch to a new one if you find something better.
Part D Plans
Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage. Like Medicare Advantage, costs and coverage will vary depending on your provider, so be sure to make comparisons if you have one.
Part D is great for those who need a lot of prescriptions. Want some coverage but don’t need everything that Part D offers? Get an Advantage plan with included drug coverage.
Medicare Supplements
With 10 Medicare Supplement plans to choose from, you can take a more customized approach to your benefits. Supplements cover many of the out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare, as well as some extras like foreign travel emergency care.
Supplement plans typically cost more than the other options. If you’re looking for direct cost coverage and can take care of the premium to get it, it’s a great option.
We’re Here to Help—Call Senior Health Solutions
We’re Senior Health Solutions, and we’re here to help you find the best Medicare coverage. To find the coverage you need, call us at (636) 244-4415.
