Medicare has 4 basic parts, -- A, B, C, and D (Prescription Drugs)
Once eligible you will be enrolled first in:
These are standard for everyone who is 65 or otherwise eligible.
Then you will need to choose a
or
Medicare Part C - Medicare Advantage alone or a Medicare Advantage plan with Rx.
Lyndon Johnson signs Medicare Amendment. Harry Truman
(The 1st enrollee) and his wife, Bess on right.
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
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 stick with a "basic" Medicare Advantage 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. I.E. "$0.00 (Zero) Premium"
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 Supplement plan. 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.
What is a Medicare Advantage plan?
Medicare Advantage Plans Explained
Medicare Advantage Plans are health plan options (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 your Medicare health coverage (in lui of Part A and Part B) and usually includes Medicare drug coverage. (You are still enrolled in Medicare)
Medicare pays a fixed amount for your care every month to the companies offering Medicare Advantage Plans, and these companies must follow rules set by Medicare. They are not supplemental insurance which is another category.
Not all Medicare Advantage Plans work the same way, so find out the plan’s rules 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
(And pay the co-pays and out of pocket expenses yourself?)
This is 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 the higher premium options - typically with lower co-pays and deductibles
For information on all available
Medicare plans in your area