Everyone’s health care needs are different, and private insurers offer enhanced, Medicare-approved benefits designed to fill gaps in coverage left by Original Medicare.
These include:
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)—Advantage plans must offer all the benefits of Part A and Part B coverage (with limited exceptions). However, they take your coverage a step further by providing expanded benefits like prescription drug coverage, dental insurance and vision care. In most cases, you’ll need to use doctors in the plan’s network.
Medicare Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Benefits)—Original Medicare participants who do not have Medicare Advantage can buy Part D coverage to get their prescription drug insurance. Part D plans offer various drug formularies, premiums and pharmacy networks.
Medicare Supplementals (Medigap Plans)—Medicare supplements are private plans designed to cover outstanding costs not insured by Original Medicare, such as copayments, deductibles, coinsurance and the costs of out-of-network care.