Medicare Coverage Choices

There are two primary ways that you will ultimately receive your Medicare coverage once you reach age 65.  You will either stick with Original
Medicare or replace it with a Medicare Advantage plan offered by a private insurance company.  Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes referred to as Medicare Part C, combine Medicare Part A & Medicare Part B and essentially replace them.

Adding Drug Coverage

Regardless of whether you have decided whether to stick with Original Medicare or move to a Medicare Advantage Plan, deciding whether you would like to include drug coverage will be your next choice.

If you stuck with Original Medicare, you will add drug coverage by purchasing a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan.

If your choice was to opt for a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can select a Medicare Advantage Plan that cover prescription drugs, or you can purchase a Medicare part D plan separately as a stand alone policy.

Supplementing Original Medicare

If you went the Original Medicare route above, you will still be facing significant gaps in your healthcare coverage even if you added on Medicare Part D to cover your prescription drugs.   These coverage gaps can be addressed by purchasing a Medicare Supplement Plan (Medigap). Medicare Supplement policies are designed to do fill in the gaps not covered my Medicare.

If you purchased a Medicare Advantage Plan, you have no need for a Medicare Supplement Plan, and in fact it is unlawful for someone to sell you a Medicare Supplement policy if you already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan.