Monday, February 15, 2010

Medicare Coverage: Medicare Advantage Vs. Medicare Supplement (Medigap)


  • Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage with little or no monthly premiums. In some instances, you (the beneficiary) can actually receive money back every month!

  • When enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan, you are still part of the medicare Program and retain all of their medicare rights and protections.

  • When joining a Medicare Advantage plan, you will continue to receive all of your regular Medicare-covered services. With medicare Advantage, you will also have access to additional services that neither Medicare Supplements nor Original Medicare can provide.

  • Medicare Advantage plans can offer prescription drug coverage whereas Medicare Supplements do not.

  • Medical providers may or may not accept some Medicare Advantage plans. Ask your Agent to help checking with your doctors prior to purchase a Private-Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plan. Some Medicare Advantage plans may have a published network of providers. Whereas most medicare Supplements are universally accepted.

  • Agents who help you to enroll Medicare Advantage plans are required annual certification and strongly enforced marketing practices.

  • With a Medicare Supplement, you must pay a premium whether you use it or not! With a medicare Advantage you only makes a small co-pay when you use the services.

  • With a Medicare Advantage plan, you only have to answer ONE health question: Do you have End-Stage Renal Disease - ESRD (kidney failure)? Medicare Supplements may have multiple health questions.

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