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What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) and Medicare Advantage (Part C) are two different ways to get Medicare benefits. Both options provide the same basic level of hospital and medical insurance but there are also important differences between them. Original Medicare vs. Medicare AdvantageIt's important to learn about the differences in coverage, cost and care provider rules because these will impact how you decide which option is best for you. Read below to learn about each in detail below. Comparison between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: CoverageOriginal Medicare covers inpatient hospital and skilled nursing services – Part A - and doctor visits, outpatient services and some preventative care – Part B. Medicare Advantage plans cover all the above (Part A and Part B), and most plans also cover prescription drugs (Part D). Additionally, Medicare Advantage plans each offer extra benefits, which while they vary by plan and provider, may include coverage for dental, vision, hearing, fitness programs, rides to doctor appointments and more. Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: CostWhether you choose to go with Original Medicare or with a Medicare Advantage plan, you will likely pay premiums, deductibles, copays and coinsurance. Costs with Original Medicare include:
Costs with Medicare Advantage vary but may include:
A note about financial protection: A really great benefit with a Medicare Advantage plan though is there is a limit on your out-of-pocket costs (deductibles, coinsurance and copays). This can really help keep your Medicare costs under control. Original Medicare does not provide any financial protection like this. Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: ProvidersA final key difference to consider when choosing between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan is what health care providers you can see. With Original Medicare you can go to any hospital and see any doctor or provider within the U.S. who accept Medicare. You do have limited coverage in foreign countries, though. With Medicare Advantage, most plans have a network of doctors and providers you can see. If you go outside the plan’s network, it’s likely you’ll have to pay more to do so. However, emergency and urgent care are covered nationwide. You also have limited coverage in foreign countries, though some plans may offer special foreign coverage or travel benefits. Tips to help you choose between Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage?1. Consider if you want coverage for dental, vision and other extra benefitsMedicare Advantage plans cover everything Original Medicare covers plus more, so if you want things like dental, vision or fitness benefits, a Medicare Advantage plan may be the right choice. 2. Think about what your total costs could beYour total costs will vary based on the coverage you choose and the health services you use. But consider the below specifically when comparing which option fits your financial situation best.
3. Consider how often you leave homeOriginal Medicare covers care you receive from any provider who accepts Medicare throughout the country. With most Medicare Advantage plans, you need to see providers who are in the plan network in order to avoid added costs. Network providers agree to the plan’s negotiated prices so you get to take advantage of the cost savings. If you travel a lot, consider how your Medicare coverage may work with this. Can you switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?As a final note, no matter which option you decide is right for you, you can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage or vice versa. The two main times you can switch are the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period and the Medicare Special Enrollment Period for qualifying life events, if you qualify. More articlesMore articlesGet the latestBoost your Medicare know-how with the reliable, up-to-date news and information delivered to your inbox every month. Find a planEnter your ZIP code for plans in your area Meet with usMake an appointment with a licensed insurance agent/producer in your area What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Complete?Consider if you want coverage for dental, vision and other extra benefits. Medicare Advantage plans cover everything Original Medicare covers plus more, so if you want things like dental, vision or fitness benefits, a Medicare Advantage plan may be the right choice.
What type of plan is AARP Medicare Complete?AARP offers Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans. Like other Medicare Advantage products, these plans offer the same basic coverage as original Medicare plans but with additional benefits like vision, dental, and preventive care services. In 2022, AARP offers HMO, HMO D-SNP, PPO, and PFFS plan options.
Is AARP a Medicare Advantage plan?While AARP Medicare Advantage Plans from UnitedHealthcare come in a variety of forms, most of them offer prescription drug coverage. Additionally, many AARP United Healthcare Medicare Advantage Plans offer the following medical benefits: $0 copays for in-network primary care provider visits. $0 copay for many lab tests.
How much does AARP Medicare Complete cost?One of the costs to consider is the plan's premium. About 7 out of 10 of AARP's Medicare Advantage plans offer $0 premiums. Of AARP plans that have a premium, the monthly consolidated premium (including Part C and Part D) ranges from $9 to $112.
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