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 your Medicare coverage—Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C). Some people need to get additional coverage, like Medicare drug coverage or Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap).
Use this information to help you compare your coverage options and decide what coverage is right for you.
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 Medicare drug plan (Part D).
- You can use any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, anywhere in the U.S.
- If you choose Original Medicare, you can also decide to:
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- Join a separate Medicare drug plan (Part D) if you want drug coverage.
- Add other insurance (like Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), Medicaid, or employee or union coverage), to help pay your out-of-pocket costs (like your 20% coinsurance).
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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 many cases, you’ll need to use doctors and other providers who are in the plan’s network and service area for the lowest costs.
- Most plans offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover—like vision, hearing, dental, and more.
- Learn more about how Medicare Advantage Plans work.
Can I get my health care from any doctor, other health care provider, or hospital?
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- Other options
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- What are my costs?
- Should I get a supplemental policy?
- Are prescriptions covered?
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- Compare your Medicare options
- In addition to Original Medicare or an MA Plan, you may be able to join other types of Medicare health plans.
- You may be able to save money or have other coverage choices if you have limited income and resources. Get help paying costs.
- You may also have other coverage, like employer or union, military, or veterans’ benefits. Learn about how Medicare works with other insurance.
- Find out how Medicare drug coverage works with other insurance.