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MEDICARE EDUCATION & GUIDANCE
Understanding Your Medicare Options
Learn how Medicare works, compare your coverage choices, and make confident decisions with personal guidance.
Start With Original Medicare
Original Medicare is the federal program that includes two parts:
Part A - Hospital Insurance
Helps cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.
Part B - Medical Insurance
Helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services (like screenings and vaccines), and medical supplies.
Then Choose How You Want Your Coverage
After Original Medicare, you can get your additional coverage in one of two main ways:
+
Original Medicare +
Supplement + Part D
Keep Original Medicare (Parts A & B).
Add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) to help cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and coinsurance.
Add a Part D prescription drug plan for medication coverage.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
An alternative to Original Medicare that combines hospital, medical, and usually prescription drug coverage in one plan.
Often includes extra benefits, such as dental, vision, hearing, and wellness programs.
May have lower out-of-pocket costs, with plan rules and provider networks to consider.
Compare Your Main Coverage Paths
Here's a simple side-by-side look at how the two main options compare:
Feature
Original Medicare + Supplement + Part D
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Doctors
Monthly Cost
Prescription Coverage
Travel Flexibility
Out-of-Pocket Costs
See any doctor or specialist who accepts
Medicare (nationwide).
Pay the Part B premium, plus a monthly premium for a Supplement and a Part D plan.
Add a separate Part D plan for prescription drugs.
Generally more flexibility, with coverage across the U.S
More predictable costs, with a Supplement helping to limit your share of expenses.
Use plan network doctors and facilities (coverage may be limited outside the network).
Usually one monthly plan premium (often in addition to the Part B premium).
Usually included in the plan.
Coverage typically tied to the plan's network (some plans offer broader travel coverage).
Costs can be lower, but may include co-pays, coinsurance, and an annual out-of-pocket maximum.
Five Things to Consider
As you explore your Medicare options, keep these key factors in mind:
Prescriptions
Do you take medications regularly, and is drug coverage included?
Doctors
Will your preferred doctors and specialists be covered?
Budget
What monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs fit your needs?
Travel
Do you need coverage when you travel, in or out of state?
Enrollment Timing
Know key periods, like your Initial Enrollment Period, Annual Enrollment Period, and other special enrollment opportunities.
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