Medicare

What are my Medicare plan options?

It’s important to understand your options, benefits and costs if you qualify for Medicare. You can sign up for Medicare during certain times of the year. When you do sign up, you choose how you get your coverage.

There are two main ways to get Medicare:

1. Original Medicare includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). You can go to any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare in the U.S. You can also buy supplemental coverage to help pay for out-of-pocket costs. You can also join a separate Medicare drug plan to get Medicare drug coverage (Part D).
2. Medicare Advantage is also known as Medicare Part C. This combines hospital and medical coverage. It may also include prescription drug coverage, with extra benefits. Private insurance companies offer these plans and must follow rules set by Medicare.In most cases, you’ll get your care and services from doctors, other healthcare providers or hospitals in the plan’s network. However, you have the flexibility to seek care out of network. But that care is usually for a higher copay.

Why enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan?

A Medicare Advantage plan provides all the Part A and Part B benefits of Original Medicare, plus additional benefits. Most Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 monthly premium. This plan includes coverage for dental, vision, hearing and much more. Part D prescription drug benefits are also included, so there’s no need to pay for a separate prescription drug plan.

Who can help me select the right plan?

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can help. It provides local, in-depth and objective insurance counseling and helps Medicare-eligible individuals, their families and caregivers.

Visit ShipHelp.org or call 877-839-2675 to find trained people in your community who can help you select a plan and enroll. It’s free. Most of these groups are available to meet in-person.