Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, as well as people with certain disabilities. There are two main types of Medicare coverage: Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
Original Medicare consists of two parts:
- Part A: Hospital insurance
- Part B: Medical insurance
Original Medicare covers a wide range of healthcare services, including:
- Hospital stays
- Skilled nursing facility stays
- Home health care
- Doctor visits
- Preventive care
- Some prescription drugs
However, Original Medicare does not cover all of your healthcare costs. You may have to pay deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Medigap is private health insurance that can help you pay for the gaps in Original Medicare coverage. There are 10 standardized Medigap plans available, each with its own set of benefits.
Medigap plans can help you pay for:
- Deductibles
- Copayments
- Coinsurance
- Part B excess charges
- Part A skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage
Medicare Advantage is a type of Medicare health plan offered by private insurance companies. Medicare Advantage plans typically combine all of your Medicare coverage (Parts A, B, and D) into one plan.
Medicare Advantage plans can offer a variety of benefits, including:
- Prescription drug coverage
- Dental coverage
- Vision coverage
- Hearing coverage
- Wellness programs
- Transportation assistance
- Extra help with Medicare costs
Which is Right for You?
The best way to decide which type of Medicare coverage is right for you is to compare your options and choose the plan that best meets your needs and budget.
If you want to have the freedom to see any doctor that accepts Medicare, then Medigap may be a good option for you. Medigap plans also offer more predictable costs, as your premiums will not change based on your health status.
If you are looking for a plan that offers more comprehensive benefits, then Medicare Advantage may be a better option for you. Medicare Advantage plans often include prescription drug coverage, dental coverage, vision coverage, and hearing coverage.
No matter which type of Medicare coverage you choose, it is important to compare plans carefully and choose the plan that best meets your needs.
Here are some additional things to consider when choosing between Medigap and Medicare Advantage:
- Cost: Medigap premiums are typically higher than Medicare Advantage premiums. However, Medigap premiums are guaranteed to stay the same for as long as you have the policy, while Medicare Advantage premiums can change each year.
- Choice: Medigap plans are standardized, so you have the same coverage no matter where you live. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies, so the plans and benefits available may vary from state to state.
- Network: Medigap plans allow you to see any doctor that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans typically have a network of doctors and hospitals that you can use. If you see a doctor or go to a hospital outside of the network, you may have to pay more out of pocket.
- Prescription drug coverage: Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. You can purchase a standalone Part D prescription drug plan or get prescription drug coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan.
If you are still not sure which type of Medicare coverage is right for you, you can talk to a Medicare counselor. Medicare counselors are free and unbiased, and they can help you compare plans and choose the plan that best meets your needs.
How Did I Get Here? 