Introduction To Medicare - Coverage Options

Choosing the right Medicare coverage begins by asking a simple question: What matters most to you? The providers you want to see, your prescription drugs, your budget and your lifestyle are all important factors to consider. We can help you understand your options and guide you to a plan that fits your needs. 

Your Basic Coverage Options 

Some of the most common ways for you to receive your Medicare benefits include: 

• Original Medicare 

• Original Medicare + Part D Prescription Drug Coverage 

• Original Medicare + Medigap Coverage Original Medicare + Part D Prescription Drug Coverage + Medigap 

• Medicare Advantage Plan

Original Medicare 

Includes Part A Hospital and Part B Medical coverage. 

This option might be good for you if: 

• You only want basic Medicare coverage. 

• You want to be able to see any provider that accepts Medicare. 

Keep in mind 

• Original Medicare has coverage gaps -  it only pays a portion of the costs for covered services. 

• Prescription drug coverage is not included. 

• There's no limit on what you pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses each year. 

• There are no extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing. 

• You must pay a monthly premium for Part B coverage.

Original Medicare + Part D Prescription Drug Coverage 

Adds a Part D prescription drug coverage plan from a private insurer to the Original Medicare plan. 

This option might be good for you if: 

• You want prescription drug coverage to go with basic Medicare coverage. 

• You want to be able to see any provider that accepts Medicare.

Keep in mind 

• Original Medicare has coverage gaps -  it only pays a portion of the costs for covered services. 

• There's no limit on what you pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses each year. 

• There are no extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing and wellness. 

• You will pay a separate premium to a private insurance company for your Part D coverage.

Original Medicare + Medigap Coverage 

Adds supplemental coverage from a private insurer to Original Medicare. 

This option might be good for you if: 

• You want coverage to help fill the gaps in Original Medicare. 

• You want to be able to see any provider that accepts Medicare. 

Keep in mind 

• Prescription drug coverage is not included. 

• Depending on the Medigap plan, there may or may not be a limit on what you pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses each year. 

• There are no extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing and wellness. 

• You will pay a separate premium to a private insurance company for your Medigap coverage.

Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D Prescription Drug Coverage 

Adds supplemental coverage and a Part D prescription drug plan from private insurers to Original Medicare. 

This option might be good for you if: 

• You want supplemental coverage that helps fill the gaps in Original Medicare. 

• You want coverage for your prescription drugs. 

• You want to be able to see any provider that accepts Medicare. 

Keep in mind 

• Depending on the Medigap plan, there may or may not be a limit on what you pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses each year. 

• There are no extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing and wellness. 

• You will pay separate private insurance plan premiums for both your Medigap and Part D coverage.

Medicare Advantage 

An all-in-one option for receiving your Medicare benefits through a private insurer. 

This option might be good for you if: 

• You want to receive Part A hospital, Part B medical and often Part D prescription drug coverage together in one plan. You want predictable costs and a firm limit on what you pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses each year. 

• You value coverage that typically includes extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing and wellness. 

Keep in mind 

• Medicare Advantage plans typically come with a network contracted providers. 

• Some plans may give you the ability to use out-of-network providers at low or no extra cost. 

• You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. 

• Depending on the plan, you may pay a separate premium to a private insurance company.

Your health care needs can change from year to year. So do health plans. Fortunately, Medicare gives you the ability to join a plan or change your coverage during certain times of the year.

Get personalized guidance. Connect with a one of our licensed Medicare enrollment specialists.