Joseph Insurance BrokerWe Medi Care
Medicare doesn't have to be complicated. Here's a plain-English explanation of how it works and what you need to know.
Original Medicare consists of Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (medical coverage). Most people receive Part A without paying a premium because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes during their working years. Part B has a standard monthly premium (adjusted based on income).
Original Medicare doesn't cover everything. It doesn't typically cover dental, vision, hearing, or prescription drugs. It also has deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance that can add up quickly — there's no out-of-pocket maximum.
Instead of using Original Medicare, you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan from a private insurer. These "all-in-one" plans typically include Parts A, B, and D — and often add dental, vision, and hearing. Many are available at $0 premium.
You keep Original Medicare and add a Medigap plan to cover the gaps. Medigap plans pay most or all of Medicare's deductibles and cost-sharing. You can see any doctor that accepts Medicare, anywhere in the country.
If you choose Original Medicare + Medigap, you'll need a separate Part D drug plan. If you choose Medicare Advantage, most plans already include Part D coverage.
Peter can run a full drug plan comparison based on your specific medications to ensure you pay the lowest possible cost.