Too many people sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan thinking it's a Supplement. The two work very differently. We'll walk you through your options clearly — so you choose the right plan the first time.
Used alongside Original Medicare. Any provider that accepts Medicare accepts your Supplement — they only bill Medicare. Medicare pays its part (generally ~80% of covered benefits) and the Supplement pays much of the remaining ~20%.
A private company takes over for Medicare. You stay in the Medicare system, but the plan handles your care through HMO/PPO-style modules — with networks and co-pays.
Every Part D plan must meet Medicare's minimum model, but they differ in cost, co-pays and covered drugs — and formularies change every year. We check your plan against the medications you actually take, so you're not overpaying or caught off guard.
A Medicare Supplement works alongside Original Medicare: any provider that accepts Medicare accepts your Supplement, because they only bill Medicare. Medicare pays its share (generally about 80% of covered benefits) and the Supplement pays much of the rest. A Medicare Advantage plan is run by a private company that takes over from Medicare — typically using HMO/PPO-style networks and co-pays. Many people enroll in Advantage thinking they bought a Supplement; the two work very differently, and we make sure you know which is which before you sign.
No. Supplements do not include Part D prescription drug coverage. You'll generally need to add a separate Part D (PDP) plan, and a penalty can apply if you don't enroll when first eligible (limited exceptions exist). Many Advantage plans build Part D in — but not all do.
Most Advantage plans use networks, so it's important to confirm your doctors, hospitals and other care are in-network — out-of-network care can cost more, up to 100%. Plans also carry co-pays that add up, and often include value-added extras like fitness memberships or limited dental, vision and hearing benefits.
No. Every Part D plan must be at least as good as Medicare's model, but they vary in cost, co-pays and which drugs are covered. Formularies change yearly, so it's worth reviewing your plan each year against the medications you actually take.
Plans, pricing and availability vary county to county and change annually. That's exactly why we strongly recommend reviewing your coverage with an agent each year rather than letting it auto-renew unexamined.
Plans vary by county and change every year. Talk with a licensed advisor and enroll with confidence — at no cost to you.
