Consider these 7 things when choosing coverage

If you have other types of health or prescription drug coverage, make sure you understand how that coverage works with Medicare. If you have employment-related coverage, or get your health care from an Indian Health or Tribal Health Program, talk to your 

 administrator or insurer before making any changes. 

Supplemental coverage in Original Medicare

You can add a Medigap policy to help pay your out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare, like your 

 and 

 .

Supplemental coverage in Medicare Advantage

It may be more cost effective for you to join a Medicare Advantage Plan because your cost sharing is lower (or included). And, many Medicare Advantage plans offer vision, hearing, and dental. You can’t use (and can’t be sold) a Medigap policy if you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Do you need to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan? Do you already have 

? Will you pay a 

 if you join a drug plan later? What's the plan’s overall star rating? What will your prescription drugs cost under each plan? Are your drugs covered under the plan's 

? Are there any coverage rules that apply to your prescriptions? Are you eligible for a free 

 program?

Prescription drug coverage in Original Medicare

You’ll need to join a 

Medicare drug plan (Part D)

 to get drug coverage.

  Prescription drug coverage in Medicare Advantage

Most Medicare Advantage Plans include drug coverage. If yours doesn't, you may be able to join a separate Part D plan.

Note

If you're in a Medicare plan, review the "Evidence of Coverage" (EOC) and  "Annual Notice of Change" (ANOC) .

 

Do your doctors accept the coverage? Are the doctors you want to see accepting new patients? Do you have to choose your hospital and health care providers from a 

? Do you need to get referrals?

Doctor and hospital choice in Original Medicare

You can go to any doctor that accepts Medicare.

Doctor and hospital choice in Medicare Advantage

You may need to use health care providers who participate in the plan’s 

Network

. If so, find out how close the network’s doctor or pharmacies are to your home. Some plans offer out-of-network coverage. 

Note

If you're in a Medicare plan, review the "Evidence of Coverage" (EOC) and  "Annual Notice of Change" (ANOC) .

 

Are you satisfied with your medical care? The quality of care and services offered by plans and other health care providers can vary. How have Medicare and other people with Medicare rated your health and drug plan’s care and services? Get help comparing plans and providers.

Travel coverage in Original Medicare

Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover care outside the U.S. You may be able to buy supplemental insurance that offers travel coverage. 

Travel coverage in Medicare Advantage

Plans usually don’t cover care you get outside of the U.S.