While Original Medicare provides enough coverage for some, others prefer Medicare Advantage and some of the additional benefits that can be included. In short, Medicare Advantage plans provide the same coverage as Original Medicare but can also include additional coverage such as coverage for prescription drugs, dental, vision, and hearing. 

Is Medicare Advantage right for you? Keep reading to find out!

Why You May Need Medicare Advantage

After enrolling in Original Medicare, you have the option of signing up for additional coverage. This additional coverage includes:

• Prescription drug coverage (Part D)
• Medicare Advantage (Part C)
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

Both Part D and Medicare Supplements will work alongside your Original Medicare coverage. Part D, as already mentioned, will provide prescription drug coverage. Medicare Supplements will provide coverage for the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. These costs can include deductibles or copayments.

Medicare Advantage plans, on the other hand, don’t necessarily supplement Original Medicare. In fact, these plans are more or less considered an alternative to Original Medicare because they provide the same coverage. However, to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must be enrolled in Original Medicare.

Medicare Advantage plans also cover services that are not available under Original Medicare, such as coverage for prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing, nutrition programs, wellness programs, fitness memberships, adult daycare, and more. Because of this feature, Medicare Advantage plans reduce the need to enroll in several separate insurance plans just to get this extra type of coverage.

Cost-Effective

Medicare Advantage plans can also be cost-effective as many will have $0 premiums. However, when enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you will still have to pay your Part B premium. With that being said, many will get premium-free Part A. So, with the Part B premium most likely being the only premium cost to pay for, this makes Medicare Advantage a good deal for many enrollees.

Medicare Advantage plans also have an out-of-pocket maximum of $7,550. Each Medicare Advantage plan is different, so some may have a lower amount than this, but overall, this out-of-pocket limit means that you won’t have to pay anything over the set amount in out-of-pocket costs.

If you have any questions about Medicare Advantage plans or are interested in getting coverage with one, reach out to Thomas Family Insurance today at 217-740-4166.