Medicare Health Plan Options

Add a Medicare Supplement (also known as Medigap) policy and a Part D prescription drug plan to Original Medicare.

Features

• Designed to fill the gaps left by Original Medicare such has deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance
• Works with any provider that accepts Medicare throughout the United States
  
• No referrals required for specialists
• Standardized plans of the same letter (F, G, N, etc.) have the same benefits regardless of the insurance company*
  
• Guaranteed renewable for life
  
• Plan benefits remain the same year after year
• Some plans offer emergency foreign travel coverage
• Can change your Part D plan (during the Annual Enrollment Period) without affecting your medical benefits
• Some plans types offer a high deductible option

Things to Consider

• Most plans do not provide benefits beyond those offered by original Medicare for things like vision, hearing and dental coverage
  
• Premiums tend to cost more than Medicare Advantage plans
  
• Most plan premiums increase as you get older
  
• Most insurance carriers ask health questions to determine eligibility so acceptance is not guaranteed  (unless you are new to Medicare or have a Guaranteed Issue right)
• Your plan selection may be limited based on Medicare enrollment date

* Plans in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts differ from the standardized plans

Take a Medicare Advantage (also known as Part C) plan that combines the Part A and Part B benefits offered by Original Medicare.

Features

• Lower monthly premium options often available compared to Medicare Supplement.
• Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage
• Utilizes a network of providers and hospitals to obtain coverage for medical services 
• Many plans offer extra benefits that go beyond original Medicare
  
• No medical underwriting questions so you can't be denied for your health history
• Most offer low or no co-payments to see your Primary Care Physician
  
• All plans have an out-of-pocket maximum that limits your potential medical expenses each year
  

Things to Consider

• You must verify that your providers are in-network and that your prescriptions are covered before enrolling
• Some plans require you use in-network providers to obtain coverage (except in an emergency)
  
• Must live within the plan's service area to enroll
• Some plans require referrals to see a specialist
  
• You may have co-payments or co-insurance for medical services

* Not all plans offer extra benefits and not all plans offer the same extra benefits. Be sure to review your plan benefits carefully and select the one that best meets your needs.