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Your Medicare Options
When you first sign up for Medicare, and during certain times of the year, you can choose how you get your Medicare coverage.
Original Medicare
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Original Medicare includes Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance).
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You can join a separate Medicare drug plan (Part D) to get drug coverage.
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You can use any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, anywhere in the U.S.
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You can also add or purchase supplemental coverage that helps pay your out-of-pockets costs.
Part A
Part B
You can add:
Part D
You can also add:
Supplemental Coverage
This includes Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap). Or, you can use coverage from a former employer or union, or Medicaid.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
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An alternative to Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans ‘bundle’ Parts A & B, and usually Part D for your health and drug coverage.
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Most Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as vision, dental, hearing and gym memberships.
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Medicare Advantage plans may require you to see network doctors or specialists.
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Your out-of-pockets costs — premiums, deductibles, co-payments and co-insurance — will vary by plan.
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Most Medicare Advantage plans have low premiums and maximum out-of-pocket limits — what you pay in one year for your health and drug coverage.
Part A
Part B
Most plans include:
Part D
Extra benefits
Supplemental Insurance | Medigap
Original Medicare doesn’t pay all the costs for covered health care service. Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap) sold by private insurance companies can help pay for some of the remaining health care costs for covered services and supplies. Some Medigap plans also cover services that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like medical care when you travel outside of the U.S.
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Medigap plans do not cover drug costs. You must purchase a stand-alone drug plan.
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All Medigap plans are standardized (named by the letters A-D, F, G, and K-N) and offer the same benefits where ever you live.
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With Medigap, you pay a monthly premium in addition to your monthly Part B premium.
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Depending on the plan, you may have no out-of-pocket costs (other than your monthly premiums) for covered service or supplies.
You must have Parts A and B to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, or to purchase a Medigap plan.
What You’ll Pay
Estimating your annual out-of-pocket costs is critical when choosing between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Whether you prioritize predictable premiums or capped expenses, I am here to help you compare plans and find the best fit for your budget and healthcare needs.
Category
Original Medicare
Medicare Advantage
Costs for Part A
Costs for Part B
Costs for Services
Drug Plan Premium
Yearly Out-of-Pocket Limit
Supplemental Coverage
Most people pay $0.
Monthly premium for Part B.
Usually pay 20% of the Medicare approved amount for Part B.
Separate premium for Part D if you choose a Medicare drug plan.
No yearly limit unless you have supplemental coverage like Medigap, Medicaid, etc.
You can buy additional coverage, but it requires an extra premium.
Most people pay $0.
Monthly premium for Part B.
Varies. May have different out-of-pocket costs for certain services.
Most plans include Medicare drug coverage.
Plans have a yearly limit for covered Part A and B services. After reaching the limit, you pay nothing for the rest of the year.
You can’t buy supplemental coverage if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Medicare Savings Programs
Medicare Savings programs are Medicaid-administered programs for people on Medicare who have limited income and resources. These programs help those who are qualified afford Medicare.
If you think you might be eligible, I can guide you through the application process.
When Do I Apply?
3 Months Before
Generally, you can first sign up for Medicare Parts A & B during the 7-month period that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after you turn 65.
65th Birthday Month
3 Months After
Important! If you don’t sign up for Parts A & B when you’re first eligible, your enrollment may be delayed and you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty!
Ready to Apply? Let’s Talk!
Still a little unsure about what you need and when to apply? Reach out and I’ll guide you through the application process. My services are 100% free to you. Your Medicare choices should leave you feeling confident, not confused — because peace of mind is the best coverage of all!
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