Understanding Medicare Plan Types
Medicare can be complex. We break down each plan type so you can make an informed decision about your health coverage.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers, and most include additional benefits.
What's Covered
- Hospital coverage (Part A)
- Medical coverage (Part B)
- Usually prescription drug coverage (Part D)
- Often dental, vision, and hearing benefits
- May include fitness programs and transportation
Plan Options
Important Note
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)
Medigap policies are sold by private companies and can help pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
What's Covered
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
- Part B coinsurance or copayment
- Blood (first 3 pints)
- Part A hospice care coinsurance
- Foreign travel emergency (Plans C, D, F, G, M, N)
Plan Options
Important Note
Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plans)
Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. Plans are offered by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare.
What's Covered
- Formulary (list of covered drugs)
- Preferred pharmacy networks
- Mail-order pharmacy options
- Coverage in the coverage gap (donut hole)
- Catastrophic coverage after out-of-pocket limit
Plan Options
Important Note
Original Medicare (Parts A & B)
Original Medicare is the traditional fee-for-service program offered directly through the federal government. It includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance).
What's Covered
- Part A: Inpatient hospital care
- Part A: Skilled nursing facility care
- Part A: Hospice care
- Part B: Doctor visits and outpatient care
- Part B: Preventive services
- Part B: Durable medical equipment