What Medicare Options are Available to You?

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people aged 65 or older, some people with disabilities, and those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Medicare offers several options to choose from. Here are the different Medicare options:

1. Original Medicare (Parts A and B): This is the traditional Medicare program offered by the federal government. Part A covers hospital services, while Part B covers medical services, including doctor visits, preventive care, and outpatient care.
2. Medicare Advantage (Part C): Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans must offer the same benefits as Original Medicare (Parts A and B) but often include additional benefits, such as prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing.
3. Prescription Drug Plans (Part D): Medicare Part D offers prescription drug coverage for those who have Original Medicare. Private insurance companies approved by Medicare provide these plans.
4. Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Medigap policies are offered by private insurance companies to fill the gaps in coverage that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. These policies help pay for costs such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

It’s important to note that you can’t have both a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medigap policy at the same time. You will need to choose one or the other.