As with any health plan, you should choose Medicare coverage based on how well it fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Start by making a list of your prescription medications, preferred doctors, and hospitals in your area. These criteria will help you understand your costs and guide you when comparing plans.
By the way, the information on this page is also summarized in this video.
Next, consider any savings you may be eligible for. There are a lot of financial assistance programs that can offer you discounts, and our Medicare specialists can help find any programs that you may qualify for.
Knowing your own needs makes it easier to compare costs and coverage:
If any of the these situations apply to you, you may want to consider a Medicare Advantage plan.
Doctor visits
Specialist(s) visits
Inpatient hospital care
Doctor visits
Specialist(s) visits
Inpatient hospital care
Vision
Hearing
Dental
Prescriptions
SilverSneakers®
Over-the-counter (OTC) benefit option
Worldwide emergency coverage
| Original Medicare | Medicare Advantage Plans | |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor visits | ||
| Specialist(s) visits | ||
| Inpatient hospital care | ||
| Vision | ||
| Hearing | ||
| Dental | ||
| Prescriptions | ||
| SilverSneakers® | ||
| Over-the-counter (OTC) benefit option | ||
| Worldwide emergency coverage |
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How do you decide which Medicare coverage is right for you?
Today, we’ll look at two basic choices.
One, Original Medicare (Parts A and B), with the option to add a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) and/or a Medigap policy.
OR
Two, a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), which covers all the things in Part A (hospitals) and Part B (doctors), plus added benefits (dental, vision, etc.). Some of these plans also include Medicare prescription drug coverage.
Before deciding, consider what you want from a Medicare plan. Need a plan that meets your health needs now and in the future?
Start by reviewing your overall health.
Knowing your own needs makes it easier to compare costs and coverage.
Now let’s say you’d like to keep your doctors but not pay too much.
Thinking about doing more traveling?
Original Medicare covers medical services within the U.S., but not abroad.
Medicare Advantage plans provide emergency and urgent care services within the U.S., and offer emergency coverage abroad.
Another thing to consider is whether you take medications, wear glasses, or use hearing aids.
Original Medicare lets you see any doctor that accepts Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans require that you see a doctor in their network, which can help reduce your costs.
One of the big benefits of Medicare Advantage plans is that they usually cover prescription drugs, dental work, eye exams and glasses, hearing aids, and gym benefits, at little or no cost to you.
You may also get a monthly allowance for covered over-the-counter items.
Be aware that benefits and costs can vary greatly among Medicare Advantage plans. For one thing, you’ll find differences in your access to doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies, depending on whether they’re in or out of the plan’s network.
For more on the three basic types of Medicare Advantage plans – HMO, PPO, and POS – refer to our website.
So... once you’ve chosen a plan, what happens if you’re not happy with it?
Every year, you’ll have the opportunity to switch plans during an Annual Enrollment Period that runs from October 15 to December 7. Changes made during this period take effect January 1 of the following year.
You may be able to change plans at other times if you meet certain criteria.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today.
