When the time comes to enroll in Medicare, you face the fundamental question: Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage?
If you are new to the topic or need a refresher, Original Medicare is federally run and includes Part A (Hospitalization), Part B (Medical Insurance) and Part D (Drug Plan). Medicare Advantage is private insurance that is also known as Part C. It encompasses all the elements of traditional Medicare and often provides additional benefits such as dental, vision, hearing and wellness but carries different costs and, in some cases, can be more restrictive than Original Medicare.
Nearly half of all current Medicare beneficiaries elect Medicare Advantage programs and enrollment is growing. However, there are important differences between the coverage plans you elect. Your choice will impact your premium and out-of-pocket costs, your level of services and your selection of providers, so it is critical to carefully assess your healthcare needs to find the coverage that’s the right fit.
Click here for a side-by-side summary of the differences between the plans. Another invaluable resource is medicare.gov but the explanations can truly be overwhelming. If you are struggling to make sense of your options, please do not hesitate to contact Mark or Curtis to help you determine your best Medicare coverage.