Understanding Your Medicare
Coverage Options
Medicare isn't one-size-fits-all. Understanding how the different parts of Medicare work together is an important first step toward choosing coverage that meets your healthcare needs, preferences, and budget. Medicare Messengers can help you understand the options available to you so you can make an informed decision.
Medicare at a Glance
Part A | Hospital Insurance
Helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and certain home health care services.
Part B | Medical
Insurance
Helps cover services from doctors and other healthcare providers, outpatient care, durable medical equipment, certain home healthcare, and many preventive services
Part C | Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans provide Part A and Part B benefits and usually include Part D prescription drug coverage.
Part D | Prescription
Drug Coverage
Helps cover prescription drug costs and is available through Medicare-approved private insurance companies.
Medicare Plan Options
Benefits, costs, provider networks and availability vary by plan and service area.
Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B.
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You can see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare anywhere in the United States.
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Add a Part D Prescription drug plan for drug coverage
You may be able to apply for Medicare Supplement (MediGap) to help with certain out of pocket cost.
You pay Medicare deductibles and coinsurance. Cost can vary depending upon the service you use.
Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)
Part D helps cover the cost of prescription medication. You can get drug coverage through a standalone Medicare plan (if you have Original Medicare) or through a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage.
Plans differ in the drugs they cover, what they cost, and the pharmacies that participate.
Medicare Supplement Insurance (MediGap)
Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as MediGap, is additional insurance you can buy from private insurance companies.
MediGap works with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) to help pay certain out-of-pocket costs, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
What Should I Consider When Comparing My Options?
Your healthcare needs are personal, and the coverage that works for one person may not work for another. When reviewing Medicare options, consider:
Your doctors and healthcare providers
Prescription
Medication
Healthcare needs and preferences
Travel habits and coverage areas
Premium and Monthly costs
Potential out-of-pocket costs
A Medicare Messenger's insurance professional can help you understand and compare the options available to you so you can make an informed decision.
What Should I Consider When Comparing My Options?
You don't have to sort through Medicare information alone. A Medicare Messengers insurance professional can help you understand the coverage options available in your area and answer your questions so you can make an informed decision.
Prefer to speak with someone?
Medicare Messenger is a division of American Family Financial Services (AFFS). We are not affiliated with, connected to, or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program. For official Medicare information, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
Plan availability and benefits vary by location. Not all plans are available in your area. Contact Medicare.gov or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for information on all your options.