| Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplements | | | | These are different because they actually take over |
| Do you know the difference between these two | | | | the health coverage for a person. A member will put |
| types of health insurance for seniors in the US? They | | | | their government id card in the back of their wallet and |
| are different, and it is important for you to understand it | | | | use their MA plan card to verify coverage. These |
| so you can find the best coverage for you! | | | | plans come in different types too, and they are also |
| What is a MedSup? | | | | provide by private insurers. |
| Medicare supplements are also called Medi Gap or | | | | You may choose a PPO, HMO, or Fee For Service |
| Medsups. They cover the "gaps" in coverage that | | | | (Any Doc) plan depending upon what is marketed in |
| original Medicare may not cover. They also come in | | | | your zip code and your preferences. Some plans my |
| different levels, from A - L, which of course, provide | | | | come bundled with Part D (Prescription) coverage |
| different amounts of supplemental coverage. The price | | | | while others do not. Some plans require an additional |
| will vary as well. | | | | premium, but others will not. Some MA plans even |
| Since these medsups are provided by private health | | | | rebate part of the Part B premium most Medicare |
| insurance companies, they do have a monthly | | | | beneficiaries have taken out of their social security |
| premium. This price tag varies by level of coverage, | | | | checks. |
| zip code, and age the same way other health | | | | What About RX Coverage? |
| insurance does. Most plans are also subject to yearly | | | | Again, your options will vary. If you health plan does not |
| price increases. So a 65 year old may purchase a | | | | come with prescription drug coverage, you can |
| policy at one price, but will probably expect to pay | | | | purchase PART D plans which work on their own. |
| more at age 75. | | | | Some plans, especially MA HMO and PPO plans come |
| There are periods when a beneficiary gets | | | | with RX coverage, and so you will not need to buy |
| guaranteed enrollment, but during other times, that | | | | another plan. |
| person may also be subject to normal health insurance | | | | Which is the Best Health Insurance For Seniors? |
| underwriting as with any other individual policy. It is | | | | No one plan is right for everybody. Many people are |
| important to understand this, especially if you are | | | | very happy with Medicare Advantage HMO or PPO |
| considering dropping a plan for another plan. | | | | plans because they like the network health providers |
| The important thing to remember is that an insured | | | | and benefits. Others like the flexibility of a Medigap plan |
| person will still use their government issued card, in | | | | or Any Doc MA. A person's budget will also affect |
| addition to an id card from the insurer. The two parts | | | | their choice. As we wrote above, medsups come with |
| work together to provide the coverage that a person | | | | a premium, but some MA plans have no additional |
| gets for their health. | | | | price tag. |
| What is Medicare Advantage? | | | | |