Whether you’re new to Medicare for the first time or currently looking at open enrollment or thinking about switching, here are some important points for you to understand. 

There are several ways that you can receive your Medicare coverage, or add onto that coverage. Medicare Supplement Plans and Medicare Advantage insurance are options that may sound similar but are quite different. One main thing they do have in common: private insurance companies such as United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, AETNA and most others offer both.

Medicare Supplement plans protects people who buy traditional Medicare from the additional costs they might pay. The supplemental plans charge an additional premium to what a person may already pay for Medicare Parts A (many people get this free), B, and D.

Medicare Supplements Plans have various plans lettered A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. Medicare standardizes what is offered by the plans. The cost for them can vary, however, so it’s worth shopping around.

On the other hand, a Medicare Advantage Health Plan (Medicare Part C) may provide more help at a lower cost. Rather than paying for Parts A, B, and D, a person would enroll through a private insurance company. In many cases, it covers everything provided by Parts A, B, and D. Plus, it may offer additional services. Generally, the beneficiary pays the Medicare Advantage premium along the Part B premium.

You could compare Medicare Advantage Plans to private health insurance plans. Typically, most plans offer services such as office visits, lab work, and surgery. Some services may be covered after a small co-pay. Depending on your location, plans could offer HMO or PPO network plans with a yearly limit on total out-of-pocket expenses.  Generally what I have found is that people prefer to go onto a Medicare plan when they turn 65.  The benefits are unbeatable when comparing them to a traditional insurance plan.

You are not allowed to have both a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Supplement Plan. Yes, I have actually seen where someone has both types of plans.  This is so confusing for so many seniors today.

Three things to consider before choosing:

• Cost – Medicare Supplement plans may have a higher premium but could have less out-of-pocket expenses than some Medicare Advantage plan.
  
• Choice- Medicare Advantage Plans may limit the doctors and facilities you visit. Medicare Supplement Plans do not.
  
• Lifestyle- Medicare Advantage Plans may not be offered in your area. Medicare plus a Medicare Supplement plan may best if you like to travel throughout the year.
  

Understanding, the difference between the two, is essential folks. A true professional will listen to your needs and then make a recommendation to you. Helping you find what plan is best for you. And then if they’re really good, they’ll help you enroll. And that’s what I do, and I’ve been doing it for 31 years. Most of my business is referral business. You won’t find a quoting tool on my web site that you can run your own quotes. Quite frankly if you’re looking to run quotes there are other opportunities for you to do that.

I like to be here before during and after you purchase your Medicare. So, if you have questions, comments you don’t understand you’re confused. You’ve got a medical bill you didn’t think you’re going to get. You can call me, and we’ll talk about it, and I’m more likely to help you with it. Simply pick up the phone and call me at 1- 8 7 7- 5 4 9 -1 2 1 2.