How does Medicare Work?

Medigap and Medicare Advantage

How does Medicare Work? Medicare, established in 1965, is a US federal government program providing health insurance coverage to Americans 65 and older, people under 65 with disabilities and individuals with end-stage renal disease.

Your initial enrollment signs you up for Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B), which provides the foundation of your Medicare coverage.
Once enrolled in Original Medicare, you’ll have the option of signing up for Medicare supplement insurance or Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage.

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans

Medicare supplement (or Medigap) plans are designed to help fill the gaps in Original Medicare coverage. Medicare supplement plans are sold by private insurance companies to people already enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Various supplement plans are available from leading companies, but no new Medigap plans include prescription drug coverage. Although insurance companies offering the same Medigap plans have to offer the same benefits, companies are free to apply their own pricing and underwriting practices, so it’s important to shop the market before choosing a plan. Nobody does that better than our Medigap representatives.

Call toll-free (877) 413-1556 for a free quote.

Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C)

Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans are optional Medicare plans offered by Medicare-approved private companies and available to people already enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B who live in a plan’s service area. Medicare Advantage Plans can provide additional coverage in various areas of health including dental, vision, and hearing, and most plans also include prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Advantage Plans are voluntary, but any MA Plan you join will provide all your Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans have to provide all the benefits covered by Original Medicare except one. Whether you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or not, Original Medicare covers hospice care.
Normally, you will pay a monthly MA Plan premium along with your Medicare Part B premium.

Among the popular Medicare Advantage options are Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans, Medicare Preferred Provider Organization Plans, Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans, Medicare Special Needs Plans, and Health Maintenance Organization Plans.

Call MedicareMall toll-free (877) 413-1556 to learn about Medicare Advantage Plans available in your area.

Medicare can go a long way toward helping you maintain your good health—if you have the experience and knowledge to take advantage of it. If you have any questions about any aspect of Medicare, contact MedicareMall now and let us save you money and lead you with confidence through the Medicare maze!