Medicare will cover your health care needs once you qualify. But, many people aren’t sure which Medicare plan to choose when they become eligible. Your options include Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare, but what’s the difference?
What Is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage plans are health insurance plans that are sold by private insurance companies that have contracted with Medicare. The Medicare program approves the insurance companies to provide Medicare beneficiaries with their Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical insurance. Medicare Advantage plans may also offer additional benefits, like dental, hearing, and vision coverage. A majority of Medicare Advantage plans also feature prescription drug coverage.
What Is Original Medicare?
Original Medicare is the traditional Medicare option. This option consists of Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical insurance that is provided directly through the federal government. Original Medicare plans don’t feature prescription drug coverage, but you can get this kind of coverage through Part D of Medicare.
Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare
Medicare Advantage plans aren’t incredibly different from Original Medicare, but they are generally more versatile. With a Medicare Advantage plan, you package all of your benefits into a single plan, unlike Original Medicare, which requires you to manage Part A and Part B benefits. With Original Medicare, premiums, deductibles, and other costs must be managed separately as well.
Medicare Advantage plans also offer benefits that aren’t available through Original Medicare. For example, many Medicare Advantage plans feature prescription drug coverage. If you are enrolled in Original Medicare, you’d need to purchase Part D coverage separately to get prescription drug coverage. Likewise, Medicare Advantage plans off extra benefits like dental, hearing, and vision coverage.
Should I Get Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare
Deciding whether you should purchase a Medicare Advantage plan or stay enrolled in Original Medicare can be difficult without guidance. By calling Medicare With Jake, you can get the information you need to make an informed decision. When you call, our agents will point you in the right direction and provide you with quotes on coverage if necessary.
You can reach Medicare With Jake by calling (833) NOW-JAKE.
