With many different terms flying around, it can be difficult to keep your options straight, or even keep track of what you have yourself!

What is Original Medicare?

Original Medicare means that hospital and medical coverage are managed by the federal government.

What is a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Also called Part C, a Medicare Advantage Plan means a private insurance company manages hospital and medical coverage.

How do I determine if I am enrolled in Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Typically, if you use your red, white, and blue Medicare card to receive most services, you are using Original Medicare. If you are using a card with a private insurer’s name on it in place of (and not in conjunction with) your red, white, and blue Medicare card, you may be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan.

(Beneficiaries who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan may still be required to use their red, white, and blue Medicare card for certain services.)

If you are using a second card with your Original Medicare card, you may be enrolled in a Medicare Supplement Plan, also called Medigap. Medicare Supplements help pay some of the costs that Original Medicare does not cover. Medicare Supplements are not available to those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan unless the beneficiary chooses to disenroll from the Advantage Plan during a qualifying period.

If you have Medicare prescription drug coverage, you may receive these benefits through a Medicare Advantage Plan or stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan. If you use the same insurance plan for medical services as you do for prescription drugs, you may have an Advantage plan with drug coverage. If you use different plans for medical and prescription drugs, you may be enrolled in a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan.

Still need clarity?

If you would like to discuss your Medicare options with a licensed insurance agent, call 330-403-8582.

By: Steven Thomas Smith

Disclaimer:
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area.  Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the government or Federal Medicare Program. This is a solicitation for insurance. Calling the number above will direct you to a licensed insurance agent.