How to choose the best type of Medicare coverage for you

Lesson 3

Once you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you have options. Not sure which is right for you? Here's some help.

You don't go to the doctor often
You have other coverage through an employer, TRICARE or the Veterans Administration (VA)
Paying about 20% of all your hospital and medical costs is affordable for you
You don't need prescription drug coverage, or you have it already
You don’t want additional coverage and “extras” like vision and dental and a fitness membership

Paying lower monthly premiums than Medigap is important to you
You want to get Medicare Part D bundled with your Medicare Parts A and B
You want peace of mind with predictable copayments and deductibles over paying a deductible or 20% of your medical costs
A plan that pays 100% of your medical costs once you've paid the out-of-pocket limit
You want to see doctors in the plan's network, which may save you money
You want a single card and one company for your Medicare
The plan includes extras you want, such as dental and a free gym membership

You want a plan that covers some or all of the costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover
Paying less - or paying nothing - when you get medical care outweighs having higher monthly premiums
You don't need prescription drug coverage, or you want to buy it separately
You want the freedom to see any doctor who accepts Medicare
You live outside of Michigan for more than a month each year and want to pay the same amount whether you see a doctor at home or away

Here are some helpful articles that can help you pick the Medicare coverage that is right for you.