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Medicare Advantage plans and Medigap supplemental insurance can increase the amount of coverage beneficiaries get from Medicare in different ways.
Medicare Advantage plans often offer cost effective additional benefits – like dental or vision coverage – not covered by Original Medicare.
Medigap plans primarily help cover out of pocket costs like copayments and deductibles.
To decide whether Medicare Advantage or Medigap is right for you, you should consider your individual needs and budget.
Should I get Medicare Advantage or Medigap? This is a common question for anyone looking to increase their coverage beyond Original Medicare.
The answer depends on several factors. If you want added benefits like dental, vision, hearing, or prescription drug coverage, a Medicare Advantage plan may be the right choice for you. If you are simply looking to offset the costs of copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles under Original Medicare, Medigap may be a better solution.
Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part C, is a selection of health care plans provided by private insurers. It functions as an alternative to Original Medicare.
Each Medicare Advantage plan must offer the same coverage provided by Medicare Parts A and B, and many also include additional benefits like:
Premiums are often as low as $0 a month.
If you qualify for Medicare, you qualify for Medicare Advantage. However, the details of each plan vary, and beneficiaries can only enroll in plans that are available in their location. Choosing the right plan takes careful review.
If you are enrolled in Original Medicare but want to potentially decrease your monthly costs or make sure you’re covered for necessities like eyeglasses, dentures, or hearing aids, compare the Medicare Advantage options in your area. There may be an affordable plan that better meets your needs.
Medigap plans are also offered by private insurance companies, but unlike Medicare Advantage plans, they are meant to be used in addition to Original Medicare.
Beneficiaries pay a monthly premium for Medigap supplemental insurance plans, which help consumers pay for costs that would otherwise be paid out of pocket under Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B. These include:
The exact premium varies based on location, enrollment date, and other factors.
If you are satisfied with the coverage provided by Original Medicare but are interested in lowering your out of pocket expenses, a Medigap plan may be the right option.
Most people who enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan do so to increase their coverage and lower their monthly costs. Most people enroll in Medigap supplemental insurance to pay an additional monthly premium and lower their out of pocket expenses when receiving care.
Which option you choose depends entirely on your own healthcare requirements.
If you have any questions about Medicare Advantage, Medigap supplemental insurance, or what plans are available to you, give us a call at (800) 950-0606! We’ll be happy to help you determine your eligibility, find plans that fit your needs and budget, and walk you through the enrollment process.
