What is a Medicare Supplement plan and how does it work?
A Medicare Supplement Plan is a health benefits coverage plan that complements (or supplements) your regular Medicare coverage.
Although Medicare pays for many health care services and supplies, it doesn’t pay for all of them. A Medicare Supplement Plan will help pay for those costs which could include deductibles, coinsurance and copayments when visiting your doctor. An Anthem Medicare Supplemental Plan is also a good idea if you prefer to keep your own doctor and hospital and choose your own specialist and other health care provider.
What are the costs? You’ll be responsible for a premium each month. There are also some out-of-pocket fees, depending on the plan you choose.
Who is eligible? You are eligible for a Medicare Supplement Plan if you are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and if you are age 65 or older or, in some states, under age 65 with a disability and/or end stage renal disease (plan offerings and eligibility vary by state). You also must be a resident of the state where the policy is offered.
How do I choose a Medicare Supplement Plan? The best way to choose is by comparing the coverage and rates. You can do this by selecting your state below for plan details and benefits.
Medicare Advantage (Part C):
What is a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)?
A Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) is another Medicare health plan choice you may have as part of Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are offered by private companies approved by Medicare.
If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, the plan will provide all of your Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans may offer extra coverage, such as vision, hearing, dental, and/or health and wellness programs. Most include Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D).
Medicare pays a fixed amount for your care every month to the companies offering Medicare Advantage Plans. These companies must follow rules set by Medicare. However, each Medicare Advantage Plan can charge different out-of-pocket costs and have different rules for how you get services (like whether you need a referral to see a specialist or if you have to go to only doctors, facilities, or suppliers that belong to the plan for non‑emergency or non-urgent care). These rules can change each year.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D):
Medicare offers prescription drug coverage to everyone with Medicare. If you decide not to join a Medicare drug plan when you’re first eligible, and you don’t have other creditable prescription drug coverage, or you don’t get Extra Help, you’ll likely pay a late enrollment penalty.
To get Medicare prescription drug coverage, you must join a plan run by an insurance company or other private company approved by Medicare. Each plan can vary in cost and drugs covered.