When you first enroll in Medicare and during certain times of the year, you can choose how you get your Medicare coverage. There are 2 main ways to get Medicare:
- Original Medicare. Original Medicare includes Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).
- If you want drug coverage, you can join a separate Part D plan.
- Supplemental Coverage (Medigap) can be purchased to help pay your out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare (like your 20% coinsurance).
- Can use any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, anywhere in the U.S.
- Medicare Advantage (also known as Part C)
- Medicare Advantage is an “all in one” alternative to Original Medicare. These “bundled” plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D.
- Plans may have lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare.
- In most cases, you’ll need to use doctors who are in the plan’s network.
- Most plans offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover— like vision, hearing, dental, and more.
