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.

Video transcript

Choose to stay with just Original Medicare if ...

• 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

Add a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan if ...

• 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

Choose a Medicare Advantage with prescription drug (MAPD) plan if ...

• 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 prefer predictable copayments and deductibles over paying a deductible or 20% of costs
• A plan that pays 100% of your costs once you've paid the out-of-pocket limit gives you peace of mind
• You want to see doctors in the plan's network, which will save you money
• You don't plan to see a doctor while you're away
• 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

Test yourself

Test yourself transcript

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Extra credit articles

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

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