Choosing the Right Medicare Coverage

How do Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Plans differ? Which is right for you?

Medicare Advantage plans are partially funded by Medicare but offered by private insurance companies. These plans provide all of the hospitalization (Part A) and medical coverage (Part B) of Medicare, plus additional benefits that are not part of Original Medicare. All of Braven Health’s Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, so you get all of your health coverage under one plan. Typically, a Medicare Advantage plan requires you to use network providers, though you may have options regarding out–of–network care.

Here are some considerations to keep in mind when making your choice:

Cost

Do you prefer paying a lower premium or are you more concerned about keeping your out-of-pocket costs for health care (deductibles, copays, coinsurance) lower?

Benefits

Do you want extra benefits beyond those covered by Medicare?

Choice of doctors

  • Is it important for you to have the freedom to choose any doctor?
  • Are you comfortable with having a Primary Care Physician (PCP) coordinate your health care?

Travel

  • Do you spend part of every year in another state?
  • If so, do you need a plan that will cover you while you are away?

Prescription Drugs

  • Are prescription drug benefits included in the plan? If so, are the medications you take on the plan’s list of covered drugs (also called a formulary)?
  • Are the participating pharmacies convenient??