Every situation is different. If you live in an area where networks are strong and ou do very little traveling then you may want to consider Medicare Advantage. If you travel or the plans are not strong in your area then consider a Medicare Supplement (Medigap). Generally you will pay a higher premium for a Medigap plan, but in most cases you do not have to worry about networks and your potential out of pocket exposure if you have a health issue will be far less than a Medicare Advantage plan. To determine what is right for you, sit down with an experienced agent who represents multiple companies and both Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans to help you determine the right choice for you.
A clear understanding of the benefits of each is required to make an intelligent decision. Medicare Advantage plans REPLACE Medicare as your primary insurance. Those plans which are HMO's require you to pay higher co-pays and deductibles if you use physicians and hospitals which aren't within the insurers network. Benefits under Medicare Advantage plans are usually changed from one year to the next, premiums as well. But each year you can review the various plans in your area and choose the one which seems best for that year.
Medicare Supplement policies are designed to pay some or all of the deductibles and co-payments required if you select Medicare as your primary insurance. If Medicare is your primary insurance, you can use any physician who or hospital which accepts Medicare.
Medicare Advantage plans do provide additional, usually low cost services..eye refractions, some dental or hearing aid benefits, and etc. But Medicare Advantage plans have higher out-of-pocket maximum costs than Medicare/Medigap plans.
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Medicare Supplement policies are designed to pay some or all of the deductibles and co-payments required if you select Medicare as your primary insurance. If Medicare is your primary insurance, you can use any physician who or hospital which accepts Medicare.
Medicare Advantage plans do provide additional, usually low cost services..eye refractions, some dental or hearing aid benefits, and etc. But Medicare Advantage plans have higher out-of-pocket maximum costs than Medicare/Medigap plans.