PRODUCTS

Medicare Advantage Plans are another way to get your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. 

Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are offered by Medicare-approved private companies that must follow rules set by Medicare. 

Most Medicare Advantage Plans include drug coverage (Part D). In most cases, you’ll need to use health care providers who participate in the plan’s network. 

These plans set a limit on what you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket each year for covered services. Some plans offer non-emergency coverage out of network, but typically at a higher cost. 

Remember, you must use the card from your Medicare Advantage Plan to get your Medicare-covered services.

Medicare Part D drug plans help you with the costs of prescription drugs.  

To get Medicare drug coverage, you must join a plan offered by an insurance company or other private company approved by Medicare. Each plan can vary in cost and drugs covered.

2 ways to get drug coverage 

Method 1

Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). These plans (sometimes called “PDPs”) add drug coverage to Original Medicare and are usually purchased in conjunction with Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans.

Method 2

Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) (like an HMO or PPO) that include drug coverage. 

A Medicare supplement (Medigap) insurance, sold by private companies, can help pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover like co-payments, co-insurance, and deductibles.

A Medigap policy supplements your Original Medicare Benefits and generally doesn't cover dental, vision, hearing or other additional benefits.

Dual-Eligible Special Needs 

Plans (D-SNP): 

These plans serve people who have both Medicare and Medicaid benefits (also known as “dual eligibles”). Extra Help is a federal program that helps pay for some to most of the out-of-pocket costs of Medicare prescription drug coverage. It is also known as the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS). 

Medicare beneficiaries can qualify for Extra Help with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs. 

To qualify for the Extra Help, a person must be receiving Medicare, have limited resources and income, and reside in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia.