Medicare Advantage
What is traditional Medicare?
Traditional Medicare is administered by the government and includes a few separate types of coverage that must be pieced together to provide complete healthcare coverage. Generally speaking:
- Medicare Part A covers inpatient services like hospital stays
- Medicare Part B covers outpatient services including medical procedures and equipment
- Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs
- Supplemental coverage, which is optional, covers additional items like co-pays
What is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage plans are administered by private insurers on behalf of the government. Medicare Advantage:
- Is also known as Medicare Part C
- Combines all the services offered through traditional Parts A and B
- Often includes Part D prescription drug coverage
Why are more people choosing Medicare Advantage?
- More and more consumers are choosing Medicare Advantage over traditional Medicare because these plans:
- Are more convenient, combining Medicare Parts A, B, and D into one package with a single insurance card
- Are more affordable than the combined cost of traditional Medicare and supplemental coverage
- Usually offer additional coverage not provided through traditional Medicare like routine dental and hearing care