A question we hear a lot from our customers is, what’s the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement?

Great question – Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) covers many health-care expenses, but it doesn't cover everything.

Most of the care covered by Original Medicare is subject to copayments, deductibles and coinsurance that you as the enrollee are expected to pay.

Needless to say, these costs can add up. Plus, Medicare Part A and Part B also doesn't cover things like routine vision and dental care, prescription drugs, or overseas emergency health coverage.

If you only enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A & B), you're responsible for these costs.

So, most people on Medicare choose to enroll in some form of private Medicare insurance to help them pay for their out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay.

There are two types of Medicare plans on the market Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement (or Medigap) plans.

Medicare Advantage plans combine your Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) into a private insurance policy, that also usually includes Part D coverage and often includes dental and vision as well.

With a Medicare Supplement plan, you keep your Original Medicare coverage, but the Medicare Supplement pays a portion of the out-of-pocket costs that Medicare doesn’t pay.

With Medicare Supplements you will still also need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

A great benefit for Medicare Supplement plans is that there are no provider networks so you can see any doctor or hospital that accepts new Medicare patients.

Overall, Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage plans have significant differences when it comes to costs, benefits, and how they work.

So it’s a good idea to ask questions about both before deciding, which is right for you.

Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Follow eHealth at:
Facebook:
Twitter:
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _