Medicare

Medicare Advantage Plans are a type of Medicare health plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare to provide all your Part A and Part B benefits. Most Medicare Advantage Plans also offer prescription drug coverage. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, most Medicare services are covered through the plan.

Medicare Part A – Hospital Coverage
Medicare Part B – Medical Coverage*
Medicare Part C – Advantage Plans
Medicare Part D – Prescription Coverage*

*There is a penalty enforced by Medicare for not signing up when you become eligible.

Medicare Supplements:
• Commonly referred to as Medigap plans
• Supplements are the best coverage available, because they cover out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles, co-insurance, etc.
• They do not have networks
• Medical Underwriting is required, except under certain conditions
• Part D coverage has to be applied for separately

Advantage Plans:
• Commonly referred to as Medicare Part C or Medicare Replacement Plans
• They are usually zero premium or low premium plans
• They are all-inclusive plans that cover hospital, medical, and prescription coverage
• Some Advantage Plans are available without prescription coverage, as well
• Available plan types: HMO, PPO, POS, PFFS (there can be restrictions with networks).
• Most Advantage Plans come with extras, such as: dental, vision, and hearing coverage, gym memberships, OTC product credits, Healthy Food cards, and many others

Chronic Illness Plans are available for those who qualify. The qualifying conditions are: diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, kidney disease, memory problems, or long-term illnesses.  There are also plans available for nursing home patients and dual eligible (Medicare & Medicaid recipients).