Does a Medicare Advantage Plan Replace Original Medicare?

Understanding Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage

When it comes to healthcare, understanding your options is crucial. Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans are two pathways for receiving Medicare benefits. Original Medicare includes Medicare Part A and Part B, providing hospital and medical insurance. On the other hand, Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are offered by private insurance companies. These plans cover everything Original Medicare does and often include additional benefits.

Key points to know about Original Medicare:

• Includes Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance).
• You typically pay a premium for Part B.
• Does not include prescription drug coverage.

Key points about Medicare Advantage:

• Offered by private insurance companies like Anthem BC Health Insurance Company.
• Often includes additional benefits such as dental and prescription drug coverage.
• Requires you to pay a monthly premium in addition to the premium for Part B.

Difference Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage

The difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage lies mainly in how they are structured and the benefits they offer. While Original Medicare provides basic coverage, many Medicare Advantage Plans offer extra benefits. These plans are part of an organization with a Medicare contract, meaning they adhere to Medicare guidelines but can offer varied coverage options.

Consider these differences:

• Original Medicare does not include prescription drug coverage, whereas many Medicare Advantage Plans do.
• Medicare Advantage Plans may have additional coverage like vision, hearing, and dental.
• Medicare Advantage Plans are designed as HMOs or PPOs, offering network-based care, unlike the more flexible provider choices in Original Medicare.

Is a Medicare Advantage Plan an Alternative to Replace Original Medicare?

Medicare Advantage is indeed an alternative to replace Original Medicare, but it does not eliminate the need for Medicare Part A and Part B. To enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you must first be enrolled in both Part A and Part B. These plans are offered by private companies with a Medicare contract, like Anthem Life and Health Insurance, providing flexibility in coverage.

Things to consider:

• Medicare Advantage Plans are designed to replace Original Medicare but require enrollment in Part A and Part B.
• These plans often have lower out-of-pocket costs compared to traditional Medicare.
• Plans include benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as prescription drug coverage.

We're Here to Help

If you're ready to explore your Medicare Advantage options, Mountaintop Insurance Solutions in Bend, Oregon, is here to help. We understand that selecting the right plan can be challenging, but our team is dedicated to providing guidance tailored to your needs. We offer plans from various life and health insurance companies to ensure you get the best coverage possible.

Why choose Mountaintop Insurance Solutions?

• We offer a personalized approach to finding the right plan for you.
• Our agents are knowledgeable about the latest Medicare policies and plans.
• We work with top providers, including Anthem Life and Health Insurance Company.

Call us today at (541) 641-8886 to learn more about your Medicare Advantage options and how we can assist you. Don't leave your healthcare to chance—let us help you find the plan that's right for you, whether you speak English, Spanish, Vietnamese, or another language. We are here to support you every step of the way.