Weigh Your Medicare Coverage Options
Pros and cons to consider when deciding your insurance mix
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Each Medicare option offers benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to weigh them carefully.
Original Medicare
(Parts A and B)
Pros
- You have more choices for doctors and hospitals.
- You don’t have to worry about your plan shutting down or leaving town.
- You don’t need referrals for specialists.
- Premiums are set by the federal government, not a private company.
- Coverage is not limited to your local region.
Cons
- Monthly premiums can be higher than Part C if you need a Medigap plan.
- If you have serious medical conditions, your out-of-pocket costs could be higher (there is no out-of-pocket spending limit).
- Separate plans to cover drug costs and other health expenses can add complexity to your health care arrangements.
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Medicare Advantage
(Part C)
Pros
- One-stop shopping — there is no need to get separate drug or supplemental policies in most Part C plans.
- Some plans cover dental, vision and hearing.
- A primary care physician may coordinate your overall health care needs.
- Plans typically have lower cost sharing than original Medicare.
Cons
- You may pay more for going to doctors or health care centers out of network.
- You may need referrals to see specialists.
- If your plan leaves the area or shuts down, you have to choose new coverage.
- Some plans charge an additional premium above the standard Part B premium.
Plans are difficult to compare, as no two are the same.
Supplemental Insurance
(Medigap)
Pros
- It covers some or most out-of-pocket expenses that parts A and B don’t, including hospital deductibles and 20 percent doctor-visit coinsurance.
- You are guaranteed coverage during the initial enrollment period, even if you have a preexisting condition. Coverage is then guaranteed renewable, as long as you pay your premiums.
- As with original Medicare, coverage is nationwide.
- Plans are standardized by the federal government, making them easy to compare.
Cons
- Average premiums are more than $2,000 a year.
- Once enrolled, it may not be easy to switch plans.
- If you don’t sign up during the initial enrollment period, plans can deny coverage or charge higher rates.
- There is no prescription drug coverage, so you still have to enroll in a Part D plan.
More on Medicare
- READ: New Medicare card design could help prevent fraud
- WATCH: Questions about your Medicare coverage?
- WHERE AARP STANDS: AARP CEO: We'll fight for Medicare
- TELL US: What are your concerns about Medicare?