By Katherine Yu Simms, Medicare Insurance Agent
People with Medicare can get their health coverage through either Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan (also known as a Medicare private health plan or Part C). Consider the following key differences between these two options when deciding how you want to receive your Medicare benefits.
Original Medicare: The traditional program offered directly through the federal government
– Includes Part A (inpatient/hospital coverage) and Part B (outpatient/medical coverage).
– Most doctors in the country take this insurance.
– Medicare limits how much an individual can be charged when they visit participating or non-participating providers.
– Beneficiaries receive a red, white, and blue card to show to providers when receiving care.
Medicare Advantage: Private plans that contract with the federal government to provide Medicare benefits
– Must provide the same benefits offered by Original Medicare, but may apply different rules, costs, and restrictions.
– May also offer certain benefits that Original Medicare does not cover.
– Some of the most common types of plans are Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), and Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS) plans.
– Beneficiaries show the membership card from their plan when receiving care.
If you sign up for Original Medicare and later decide you would like to try a Medicare Advantage Plan or vice versa be aware that there are only certain enrollment periods when you are allowed to make changes.
Keep in mind that different areas have different Medicare Advantage Plans. A particular plan may not be available where you live.
If you need assistance in evaluating your current plan, please reach out to me for a free consultation as I’m here to help you navigate and find the most appropriate plan which fits your needs.
