Medicare Advantage Plans vs Medicare

Understanding Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage

If you’re looking into Medicare for the first time, you might be overwhelmed by all the terms and options. Casa Arteaga Insurance in Plano, Texas is here to help you understand the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans. Our goal is to make sure you have the information you need to make the best choice for your health insurance coverage.

What is Original Medicare?

Original Medicare is a federal health insurance program that includes two parts:

Medicare Part A: Covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care.
Medicare Part B: Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

Original Medicare does not include prescription drug coverage, which you would need to join a separate Medicare Part D plan for.

What Are Medicare Advantage Plans?

Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Part C, are an alternative to Original Medicare. These plans are offered by private insurance companies that have contracts with Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans provide all of your Part A and Part B benefits and often include additional benefits.

The Difference Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage

There are several key differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans:

Coverage: Original Medicare covers hospital and medical services but does not include prescription drug coverage. Many Medicare Advantage Plans include drug coverage and other services like vision, hearing, and dental.
Cost: With Original Medicare, you pay Part B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. Medicare Advantage Plans often have lower out-of-pocket costs but may require you to use network providers.
Benefits: Medicare Advantage Plans can offer extra benefits that Original Medicare does not include, such as fitness programs and wellness services.

Enrolling in Medicare Plans

When enrolling in Medicare, you have the option to choose between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan. Consider your health needs and preferences before making a decision. You can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan during the annual enrollment period.

Medicare Parts Explained

Understanding the different parts of Medicare is crucial:

Medicare Part A: Covers inpatient hospital stays.
Medicare Part B: Covers outpatient and preventive services.
Medicare Part C: Also known as Medicare Advantage, includes Parts A and B plus additional benefits.
Medicare Part D: Covers prescription drugs.

Considerations When Choosing Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage

When choosing between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan, consider the following:

Your healthcare needs and budget.
The flexibility to choose your doctors and hospitals.
Additional benefits like prescription drug coverage, dental, and vision.