Medicare Advantage compared to traditional Medicare

 I get many questions about the difference between Medicare Advantage plans and traditional Medicare. You can choose to sign up for traditional Medicare: Parts A, B and D, and a supplemental policy. Or, you can go an alternative route by signing up for Medicare Advantage, which provides medical and prescription drug coverage through private insurance companies. Also called Part C, Medicare Advantage has a monthly cost, in addition to the Part B premium, that varies depending on which plan you choose. With Medicare Advantage, you don't need to sign up for Part D or buy a supplemental policy. Like traditional Medicare, you'll also have co-payments, deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs. In many cases, Advantage policies charge lower premiums than supplemental plans but have higher cost-sharing. Your choice of providers may be more limited with Medicare Advantage than with traditional Medicare, and recent research has found that sicker enrollees often dump Medicare Advantage in favor of original Medicare. Open enrollment for Medicare starts October 15th and runs until December 7th. To make an appointment to get help looking over plans and the best options for you call 320-679-5183.