When it’s time to choose Medicare coverage, you have two main options: Original Medicare or Medicare Health Plans. Understanding the differences between them can help you make the best choice for your health care needs.
With Original Medicare, you can go to any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. However, it doesn’t cover everything. For example, prescription drugs, vision, dental, and hearing care are not included. You may need to buy separate plans to cover these extras. You also pay part of the cost for most services, which may include deductibles, copays, or coinsurance.
In Minnesota, there are two types of Medicare Health Plans: Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Cost Plans. Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by private insurance companies and include all the benefits of Original Medicare (Parts A and B), plus extras like prescription drug coverage, dental, and vision. You usually need to use doctors and hospitals in the plan’s network. Medicare Cost Plans are also offered by private companies, but they allow you to use doctors and hospitals both in and out of the network. If you get care outside the network, Original Medicare covers the services. Cost Plans are only available in some Minnesota Counties. Both plans give you more options than Original Medicare alone.
Choosing between Original Medicare and Medicare Health Plans depends on what you need. If you want more flexibility to see any doctor, Original Medicare might be the better option. But if you want extra benefits like prescription drugs or dental care in one plan, a Medicare Health Plan could be right for you.
When making your decision, consider:
Before you decide, it’s important to compare the costs and benefits of each option. You can also talk to a Senior LinkAge Line specialist for help understanding your choices
