Choosing the right Medicare plan: A simple guide

Understanding Medicare basics

To choose a Medicare plan, you first need to understand a bit about Medicare. What types of plans are there? Part A, Part B, Part C, Part D—what do they all mean and how do they work together?

Medicare comes in parts, each covering specific services:

• Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Part A covers hospital care, while Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care.

• Medicare Advantage (Part C): Offered by private insurers like HealthSpring, these plans combine Parts A and B, often including prescription drug coverage and additional benefits like dental and vision.

• Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D): Helps pay for the cost of medications.

• Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap): Also from private insurers, these plans help pay out-of-pocket costs such as copayments and deductibles.

Factors to consider when choosing

Selecting the right plan depends on your personal health needs and preferences:

• Health Care Usage: Do you visit doctors frequently or require specialist care?

• Prescription Drugs: Are you taking medications regularly?

• Preferred Doctors and Hospitals: Do you have specific providers you want to continue seeing?

• Additional Benefits: Are services like dental, vision, or hearing important to you?

• Travel Considerations: Do you spend time in multiple states or travel often?

• Chronic Conditions: Are you living with a chronic condition that may require more frequent medical care?

• Hospitalizations: Are you planning to have surgery—either in a hospital or as an outpatient?

Reflecting on these questions can help you identify which plan aligns best with your lifestyle.