How to Decide Between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Insurance

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Navigating the Medicare space can be an arduous task. With Medicare advantage and Medicare Supplement packages covering various parts of the medical billing apparatus, it can be difficult to know what you need. This article can help you decide if either of these plans may be advantageous for your situation.

What Is a Medigap Policy?

Medicare Supplement Plans like Medigap can be a smart way to go if Original Medicare is your policy of choice. These supplemental plans are essentially private insurance options that help to cover the gaps that exist in Original Medicare like coinsurance, copays or deductibles. In order to purchase a Medigap policy, you’ll need to have Medicare Parts A and B. Combining Original Medicare with this type of supplemental plan can generally keep most medical expenses covered by insurance.

Medicare Advantage Plans Offer Flexibility

Also known as Medicare Part C, Medicare Advantage Plans have been an alternative option to Original Medicare since 2003. These plans are administered by private insurance and paid for by the government. Medicare Advantage Plans can provide for greater flexibility because they allow PPO and HMO options, opening up a greater range of services and available doctors. One drawback of this option is that premiums can vary from year-to-year because private companies determine them. When the benefits outweigh the costs, this can be disregarded, but it should be taken into consideration.

Choosing a Medicare plan that works for you can take time and research. Considering the benefits and costs that you anticipate can help you to reach a decision.

Can a Healthcare Enrollment Agent Help You Navigate the Covered California Enrollment Process?

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A lack of health insurance coverage can be an unsettling reality for many Californians. Covering the costs for basic medical, dental and vision check-ups without insurance has the capacity to set back the family budget for years, if not decades. A serious illness or accident can be even more expensive. Many employers provide adequate coverage for medical necessities, but for those who do not have insurance, there is Covered California. Getting covered is easy with help from a healthcare enrollment agent near Oxnard. They can help direct you through these coverage basics on your way towards enrollment.

  • Four coverage levels. Insurance plans are divided into Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum. The Bronze level pays 60% of medical bills while leaving the remaining 40% for the insured to pay. Platinum pays 90% while leaving the remainder for the insured. The other levels fall in between. 
  • Essential health benefits. All plans now cover these basic benefits that fit into 10 different categories including emergency services, mental health and maternity care. Pediatric services are also part of these essential benefits. 
  • Dental and Vision coverage. Adult supplemental dental plans are available through Covered California and vision coverage is arranged through third party carriers. As part of the essential benefits, child dental and vision coverage is included in all plans. 

Health, Dental, Vision insurance through Covered California doesn’t have to be confusing. Consult with a healthcare enrollment agent today to find the plan for you.