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Once you understand parts A, B, C and D, or, C/D combination you have the basics. See the A, B, C,'s of medicare page for a more details. If you still have questions you can request a free medicare phone consultation.
Now the three big questions:
1) Do I get a Medicare supplement plan?
OR
2) Do I get an "premier" Medicare Advantage combination?
OR
3) Do I choose a "basic" Medicare Advantage" Plan or Original Medicare alone?
In order of least to most expensive; our opinion; the basic "Medicare Advantage" plan is a better starting point for most people and will include a better distribution of benefits for little or no additional cost.
The next level up on the scale (Lower co-pays and deductibles) would be an enhanced or Premier "Medicare Advantage" plan. This would have a slightly higher premium but as already stated ; lower deductibles and co-pays.
Finally, the highest degree of protection and of course the highest premium is a Medicare Supplemental Insurance plan. Also called "Medigap". With 12 Medicare Supplement choices and many more Medicare Advantage choices, this means a little more thought. Fortunately we have done that work for you.
If you'd prefer call and speak to one of our representatives:
610-399-8700.
Medicare has 4 basic parts: Part A, and Part B are essential then Part C, (Which is called Medicare Advantage) and Part D(which is the drug Coverage).CMS Overview
Once eligible you will first be enrolled in:
Medicare Part A - Hospital Insurance
Medicare Part B - Medical Insurance
These are standard for everyone who is 65 or otherwise eligible.
Then you will need to choose a Medicare Part D - Prescription Drug Coverage
or the choice of
1) Medicare Part C - Medicare Advantage (MA) alone or a Medicare Advantage plan with Rx.(MAPD) An alternative to an "Advantage" plan you may want to select a
2) Medicare Supplemental Insurance and a stand alone Medicare Rx Plan previously mentioned. This is the best choice of coverage for those on Medicare but may cost a little more than a Medicare Advantage plan but will provide better coverage with fewer or no networks or copays as does the Medicare Advantage choices.
Note: This is illustrated on page 43 of the CMS 2009 Medicare & You Booklet
Lyndon Johnson signs Medicare Amendment. Harry Truman
(The 1st enrollee) and his wife, Bess on right.
For plan specifics in your area - submit a request and someone will call you within 24 hours. After filling out the request we will bring you back to our Web-site for more details on each topic. Medicare - Benefits, Copays, and Coinsurance and/or a overview of Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans.
- Eligibility
- Benefits
- Part A: Hospital Insurance
- Part B: Medical Insurance
- Part C: Medicare Advantage plans
- Part D: Prescription Drug plans
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Premiums
- Deductible and Coinsurance
What is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage Plans Explained
Medicare Advantage Plans are Medicare Insurance health plans (like an HMO or PPO) approved by Medicare and offered by private companies. These plans are part of Medicare and are sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans.” Medicare Advantage Plans provide all your Medicare health coverage (in lieu of Part A and Part B) and Medicare Advantage will typically include Medicare drug coverage. (You are still enrolled in Medicare)
How Medicare Advantage works - Medicare pays a fixed amount to private insurance companies offering Medicare Advantage Plans. These companies must follow the rules set forth by Medicare. The Medicare Advantage Plans will sometimes include additional benefits and a different structure to co-payment but essentially the "Base Value" is equivalent to Medicare alone. Medicare Advantage Plans are not supplemental insurance which is another category of its own.
Not all Medicare Advantage Plans work the same way, most have varying co-pays for each event category I.e. Primary Care Office visit, Specialist Office visit, and/or a hospital stay just to name a few. You need to review each plan’s Summary of Benefits before joining. In all plan types, you are always covered for emergency and urgent care.
For more information on specific plans in your area go to our request page.
References
1) http://www.medicare.gov
2) Medicare and You 2009; Published by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services
(With Medicare alone you pay the deductibles and portion of services not paid by Medicare out of you own pocket.
Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans are designed to work with Original Medicare and help cover the deductibles and co-pays Medicare does not cover (Specific coverage and premiums vary by plan type and other variables)
These are simply higher premium Medicare Advantage plans, typically with lower co-pays then lower premium Medicare Advantage plans offered by the same insurer.
Medicare plans in your area
Confused... about the choices and options in Medicare?
Speak to one of our consultants. Request a Free Consultation.
Medicare Advantage plans were designed for people who can not afford supplemental insurance plans and can only afford a Medicare Advantage HMO. Medicare Advantage plans wrap the health coverage with the Part D -Drug coverage and Medicare Advantage plans may also include some minimal dental and vision care not otherwise covered by Medicare. For assistance selecting a Medicare Advantage or Supplement plans call today!
