Choosing the Right Plan for You
You are not alone in your uncertainty about which Medicare plan is best for you. Many Medicare beneficiaries tell us they thought they were smart until they tried to figure out Medicare. Don’t be discouraged! Many people find Medicare confusing at first, and we’re here to help guide you through it.
Keep in mind a few things as you begin your search for Medicare coverage. Three common types of Medicare coverage options operate differently: Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage Plans, and Medicare Cost Plans. Once you understand how each option works, ask yourself the following questions to help determine which may fit your needs and budget best:
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Do any of your doctors participate in Medicare Advantage or Medicare Cost Plans, or do they only accept Original Medicare?
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What types of insurance do your preferred hospitals and providers accept?
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Do you travel outside the Nebraska Panhandle often? If so, Original Medicare paired with a Medicare Supplement — or in some cases a Medicare Cost Plan — may provide greater flexibility because you can generally receive care anywhere Medicare is accepted.
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How important is peace of mind when it comes to healthcare costs? Would you rather pay a lower monthly premium and pay for services as you go, which may make a Medicare Advantage or Cost Plan a good fit? Or would you prefer more predictable out-of-pocket costs, which may make a Medicare Supplement a better choice?
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Are extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, or prescription coverage important to you? Some Medicare Advantage and Medicare Cost Plans may include these benefits.
Every person’s situation is different, which is why it’s important to review your doctors, medications, travel habits, and budget before making a decision.
Choosing a Medicare Supplement
In 1990, the government standardized Medicare Supplement plans to make them easier to compare. Check out this chart to compare side-by-side. If you decide that a Medigap plan is the best option for you, our agency can provide you with a list of plans available locally. The cost of Medicare Supplements varies depending on your gender, age, zip code, tobacco use, and whether you qualify for household discounts.
Choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan
If you prefer Medicare Advantage, however, we recommend searching through Medicare.gov’s website. We’ll use the Medicare Plan Finder Tool to look for Medicare Advantage plans in your county that meet your needs. For the lowest premiums, some people prefer Medicare HMO plans.
Others prefer Medicare PPO plans because they are more flexible and, if needed, include out-of-network benefits. Other plan types, such as Medicare Cost Plans, Special Needs Plans, and Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans, are available in some counties. All of these are familiar to our agents, and they can assist you in sorting through the results to find a plan that your doctors will accept.
Choosing a Medicare Cost Plan
Medicare Cost Plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and are available in certain areas. These plans are different from Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage plans. With a Medicare Cost Plan, you generally keep your Original Medicare coverage while also receiving benefits through the insurance company offering the plan. Some plans may include additional benefits or prescription drug coverage. Costs, provider networks, and benefits can vary by plan and county. If you would like help reviewing Medicare Cost Plans available in your area, our agency can help compare your local options.
Next Steps
Our agency can assist you in determining which plan is best for you as well as the cost of monthly premiums in the panhandle. We’ll provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. We help our clients find plans that are accepted by their primary care physicians and are also within their budget. Feel free to contact us or schedule an appointment using our online booking system to discuss your options.