A number of different types of Medicare plans are available for those who qualify. At the most basic level, there is Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans. These are quite different and contain different parts and options.
What Is Original Medicare?
Original Medicare is a government-operated program that offers medical services for a fee. This consists of two different parts, Part A and Part B. Part A covers inpatient stays at the hospital, as well as stays in nursing homes and hospice care. In some cases, it will also pay for certain types of home health care. Part B covers medical insurance for things such as visits to the doctor’s office, medical supplies, preventive services, and typical outpatient care. Some may wish to add Part D to the plan as well. This is prescription drug coverage. These plans come from approved insurance companies.
What Are Medicare Advantage Plans?
Part C is the Medicare Advantage Plan. These are plans offered from third party insurance companies. The company works with Medicare to provide the buyer with the same types of benefits in Part A and B. Since it is a private company though, they tend to have more options and they can cover a variety of other health issues, such as health, vision, and dental. Plans that fall into this category could include HMOs, PPOs, Medicare Savings Account Plans, and more. These programs will often have prescription medical coverage as well, so the buyer will not need to purchase the supplemental D plan. Verify this though, so if they do not offer prescription coverage, you will be able to add Part D to your plan.
These are the main types of Medicare available, and it can sometimes be confusing as to which one offers the best coverage and options for you. It will really depend on just how much you are able to spend on the coverage, as well as what type of coverage you need. For example, if you find that you need dental coverage and you are in need of a hearing aid, then the Advantage plans will generally be the best possible choice.
Take the time to sort through the options though so you can be sure you are making the right choice. When you are choosing an Advantage coverage option, it should take time and research. Do not simply go with the first plan you find.