Medicare Plans

Medicare health care is reserved for qualifying individuals age 65 and over (and the disabled of any age.) It is covers hospitalization (Part A) and outpatient care like doctor visits and lab tests (Part B). Original Medicare doesn’t cover medications unless you are admitted to a hospital. (Outpatient prescriptions are covered under Part D through insurance companies.) 

Unfortunately, Original Medicare has significant gaps in coverage plus deductibles (more than one each year!), coinsurance and copays. I wouldn’t recommend relying on Original Medicare alone. You have two options for more comprehensive coverage for your post-65 medical expenses:

1. You can stay in Original Medicare and cover many of its holes and gaps with a supplemental policy. It is called Medicare Supplement insurance (or Medigap or Medsup). This type of insurance will give you the greatest freedom of choice for providers and care. If that is important factor to you, this is your best bet. Medicare supplement policies do not include prescription drug coverage, so you’ll need a separate Part D drug plan for those. There is a monthly premium for both.
2. You can leave Original Medicare and join a Medicare Advantage Plan. An insurance company contracted with the government takes over and manages your care and expenses. The plan is guaranteed to have at least as good benefits as Original Medicare. Many plans include prescription drug coverage and some offer additional benefits like vision or dental coverage. There will still be deductibles, coinsurance and copays. Generally, the premiums are lower than a Medigap plan but your freedom of choice is sharply curtailed.

No insurance plan pays for 100% of health care (unless you are indigent). 

I would be happy help you select the best Medicare Supplement plan that fits your needs and budget (#1 above.) I chose not to offer my clients Medicare Advantage plans (#2 above) however I can refer you to a professional I trust (Contact me).

For a treasure trove of consumer-education articles about Original Medicare, Medicare Supplements, and Prescription Drug Plans, visit this page.