There are 2 main ways to get your Medicare coverage— Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C). Use these steps to help you decide which way to get your coverage:
Step 1: Decide if you want Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan
Step 2: Decide if you want prescription drug coverage (Part D)
Step 3: Decide if you want supplemental coverage (Original Medicare only)
You may want to get coverage that fills gaps in Original Medicare coverage. You can choose to buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy from a private company.
- Costs vary by policy and company.
- Employers/unions may offer similar coverage.
If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can’t use Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) to pay for out-of-pocket costs you have in a Medicare Advantage Plan. If you already have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can’t be sold a Medigap policy. You can only use a Medigap policy if you disenroll from your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare.
Other options
- In addition to Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan, you may be able to join other types of Medicare health plans.
- You may be able to save money or have other choices if you have limited income and resources.
- You may also have other coverage, like employer or union, military, or veterans’ benefits.
You can get personalized health insurance counseling at no cost to you from your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
Source: Medicare.gov, “Your Medicare coverage choices” http://www.medicare.gov. Accessed November 28, 2015. http://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/decide-how-to-get-medicare/your-medicare-coverage-choices.html
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