Ways to receive Medicare benefits

Many people with Medicare are covered under the U.S. government’s Original Medicare program – Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. However, Medicare Advantage plans – otherwise known as Medicare Part C – are growing in popularity. Here’s some information to help you choose the best option for you.

Two ways to receive Medicare benefits

For many years after Original Medicare started in 1965, this system administered by the federal government was the only health plan choice available. Now people with Medicare have a choice. They can:

  • Elect Original Medicare and purchase a separate prescription drug plan and Medicare supplement coverage – also known as a "Medigap" policy - if desired
  • Choose a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, which combines all the coverage of Original Medicare with additional benefits and, in most cases, prescription drug coverage

Comparing Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage

  Original Medicare (Parts A and B) Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Administrative services

  • Claims payment
  • Monitoring for fraud and abuse
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Basic health coverage benefits

  • Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
  • Skilled nursing facility care
  • Emergency services nationwide
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Basic preventive services

  • Bone mass measurement
  • Colorectal screening exams
  • Immunizations
  • Pap smears and pelvic exams
  • Prostate cancer screening exams
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Enhanced benefits

  • Coverage for annual routine physical exam
  • Annual out-of-pocket maximums
  • Emergency care worldwide
  • Coverage for dental, vision, hearing services available
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Focus on improving outcomes

  • Care management programs
  • Wellness services such as senior-focused fitness programs
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Tips on choosing your Medicare benefits

To determine which plan is best for you, think about your healthcare needs and what’s important to you. Buying a Medicare health plan is, in some ways, like buying other important items: you need to know what you want, how much you want to pay, and what the product can do for you. It makes sense to shop around for your Medicare plan, just as you would for any other major purchase, to find out where you can get the best value for your money.

As you think about your Medicare health coverage, consider what’s most important to you about your healthcare. Remember, no matter which Medicare health plan you choose for the upcoming year, each year between November 15 and December 31 you can review your healthcare needs and switch to a different plan if you’d like.

Here are some points you’ll want to consider:

  • Cost – How much will you pay out of your pocket for premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments?
  • Benefits – Does the plan include all Medicare benefits in Part A and Part B? Does it also include prescription drug coverage?
  • Doctor and hospital choice – Do the doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other providers you use accept the plan?
  • Convenience – Does the plan require you to complete claim forms or other paperwork? Are providers who accept the plan located near you? Will you have a mail-order prescription drug option?

Watch Healthcare Video: What is Medicare?