Medicare Coverage Options
It Starts with Original Medicare
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) is provided by the federal government. It helps pay for hospital stays and doctor visits, but it doesn’t cover everything.
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Original Medicare Provided by the federal government |
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|---|---|
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Helps pay for hospital stays and inpatient care |
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Helps pay for doctor visits and outpatient care |
Options for Additional Coverage
Many individuals find the coverage provided by Original Medicare to be inadequate. In such cases, there are options for additional coverage offered by private companies.
OPTION 1
Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan
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Medicare Advantage Plan Offered by private companies |
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|---|---|
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Combines Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) in one plan |
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Usually includes prescription drug coverage |
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May offer additional benefits not provided by Original Medicare |
OPTION 2
Add one or both to Original Medicare
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Medicare Supplement Plan Offered by private companies |
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|---|---|
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Helps pay some of the out-of-pocket costs that come with Original Medicare |
AND / OR
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Medicare Part D Plan Offered by private companies |
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Helps pay for prescription drugs |
Options for Combining Coverage
Medicare isn’t one-size-fits-all. Parts and plans can be combined to customize coverage. There are 7 possible combinations.
ORIGINAL MEDICARE OPTIONS
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) or just Part A or just Part B
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) plus a standalone Part D plan
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE OPTIONS
A Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan with built-in drug coverage
A Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan without drug coverage
A Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan without drug coverage plus a standalone Part D plan; only works with certain Medicare Advantage plan types
MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT OPTIONS
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) plus a standalone Part D plan plus a Medicare supplement plan
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) plus a Medicare supplement plan
