Understand the coverage routes before comparing individual plans.
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage are two ways to receive Medicare health coverage. Drug coverage and help with your share of costs fit differently around those choices.
An Insurance Concierge can help you understand available options and the questions to review. Visit our Medicare service page for the main contact path.
Part A and Part B provide hospital and medical coverage. You can generally use doctors and hospitals that accept Medicare throughout the U.S. A separate Part D plan can add prescription drug coverage. You may also be able to buy Medicare Supplement Insurance, called Medigap, to help with some of your share of covered costs.
A Medicare-approved private plan is an alternative way to receive Part A and Part B benefits. Most plans include Part D. Plans may use provider networks and have their own coverage rules, costs and additional benefits. Review the exact plan rather than assuming every benefit is included.
Part D is prescription drug coverage. Check the covered-drug list, pharmacy options and costs for the medicines that matter to you.
Medigap supplements Original Medicare. It is different from Medicare Advantage and is not used to pay Medicare Advantage cost sharing. Availability and enrollment rights depend on your circumstances. Ask before assuming you can switch coverage later on the same terms.
Check whether your providers accept the coverage and whether a plan network applies.
Compare the actual medicines, pharmacies, coverage conditions and likely cost sharing.
Review the premiums alongside deductibles, copays, coinsurance and any applicable out-of-pocket limits.
Ask how care away from home works and how existing employer, union or other benefits interact.
Different enrollment periods allow different actions. Changing a plan and adding Medigap are not the same process. Tell us about your current coverage and the change you are considering so the relevant rules can be checked.
Do not cancel coverage simply because you have started comparing. Confirm the new coverage, effective dates and any effects on other benefits before making a change.
Bring your questions, current coverage information and the doctors or prescriptions you want to check through an appropriate conversation with the team. You do not need to decide which plan type is right before contacting us.
For information about all available Medicare options, visit Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.
Is Medicare Advantage the same as Medigap?
No. Medicare Advantage is an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits. Medigap supplements Original Medicare.
Does every Medicare Advantage plan include the same benefits?
No. Compare the exact benefits, network, drug coverage and costs of each plan.
Should I review a plan I already have?
A review can help you check whether providers, prescriptions, costs or your needs have changed. The enrollment rules determine what changes are available and when.
Related resources: Medicare Insurance · Contact an Insurance Concierge
