Ask yourself… If Yes… If No…
Can I afford to pay the health care costs Original Medicare doesn’t cover? | You will be responsible for:
· Part A and Part B deductibles · A monthly premium for Part B · 20% of the amount Medicare approves for the medical services it covers · 100% of the cost for services not covered by Medicare |
Consider joining a Medicare Advantage plan. Your premium could be as low as $0 a month and may cover extra benefits like prescription drugs, vision, dental, hearing, as well as provide an over-the-counter allowance.
Another option is to stay with Original Medicare and purchase a Medicare Supplement plan and stand-alone Medicare part D plan. |
Do I live out of state for part of the year? | Choosing Original Medicare and purchasing Medigap is a good option, which would provide coverage anywhere in the United States. | A Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO-POS, or PPO plan may cover you for emergency or urgently needed care worldwide. |
Do I want coverage for hearing aids, routine eye exams, and dental services? | You may want to choose a Medicare Advantage plan that offers these additional benefits. | Consider staying with Original Medicare and purchasing Medigap. |
Am I willing to pay more so that I can receive care from any provider? | Consider a Medicare Advantage PPO plan or Medigap and enjoy greater flexibility in your choice of providers. | A Medicare Advantage HMO plan will keep your costs down as long as you stay in network.
Some plans offer some flexibility by not requiring referrals to see specialists. |