How to Decide Between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Insurance

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.

3 Reasons to Consider Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare is an incredibly helpful tool that many people use every year to help manage their health. However, Medicare does not cover all expenses and unexpected health events can be costly. Medicare supplement plans can help cover the cost of other expenses not covered by Medicare alone. 

Choose Your Plan 

There are various Medicare supplement plans that you can choose from, allowing you to select the plan that is most helpful to you. If you know you don’t require a great deal of additional coverage, your monthly premium is unlikely to be too high. Alternatively, if you know that you require a lot of extra coverage due to various expenses that Medicare doesn’t cover, you can pay a higher premium and get greater coverage. 

Save on Medical Expenses 

Many people choose to purchase a Medicare supplement plan because Medicare coverage can still leave you with thousands of dollars owed due to medical expenses. Expenses such as eye exams, dental care and more are often not covered by Medicare, but these examinations are important to have in order to maintain your overall health. By having a supplement plan, many of the gaps in Medicare will be covered, giving you the opportunity to seek out better healthcare while saving money. 

Coverage Regardless of Health Status 

Finding coverage for pre-existing health conditions doesn’t have to be difficult with Medicare supplement plans. As long as you apply before the enrollment period ends, you will be covered even if your health drastically changes. Additionally, applying prior to the end of supplement enrollment will guarantee that you won’t be charged more for existing health conditions.

Medicare supplement plans can greatly reduce the amount of money you pay due to medical expenses, and you can choose your plan and can be confident in the fact that you will be covered even if you become ill. These plans can be essential in improving your health and your quality of life.