If you're getting older, you may be considering Medicare. However, while many Americans choose Original Medicare, more and more people are considering Medicare Advantage or Medigap policies. If you are unsure which option is right for you, you're not alone. To learn more, keep reading.

Original Medicare

Original Medicare consists of Part A and Part B, which cover medical stays (hospitals, inpatient rehab facilities, etc.) and routine medical care (doctor visits, preventative care, etc.) respectfully. To purchase Original Medicare, you must meet certain criteria, including age. Original Medicare may also be available for younger Americans if they are disabled. You purchase your Original Medicare policy directly from the government. As a result, it meets strict guidelines for quality.

Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, includes everything offered in Original Medicare. In addition, however, it offers Medicare Part D or prescription coverage. Unlike Original Medicare, you purchase a Medicare Advantage policy through a private insurance carrier.

These insurance carriers must also meet strict guidelines, but they are more customizable. For this reason, you may find policies offering extra coverage for dental, hearing, and vision. In some cases, policies provide access or discounts to fitness and wellness programs.

Medigap Policies

If Medicare Advantage isn't right for you, you may still struggle with the out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare. These include:

• Copayments/coinsurance
• Deductibles
• Out-of-network costs

Medigap offers a way to help cover these expenses, and like Medicare Advantage, they are offered via private insurance carriers, making them easy to customize. Plus, if you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, your current carrier may also offer Medigap, making it easy for you to switch.

There are many different Medigap policies, and they all offer different levels of coverage, but even the cheaper ones cover Medicare Part A and B coinsurance/copayments. More robust options also cover deductibles, excess charges, and foreign travel emergencies. Coverage is typically 100 percent, but some benefits are covered at 80, 75, or 50 percent.

Medicare is a great way to pay for your medical care, but Original Medicare alone isn't always enough. It can also get expensive, but there are alternatives. If you want more coverage and benefits, consider a Medicare Advantage plan, but if you want help paying for the out-of-pocket expenses associated with Medicare, a Medigap policy may be the better choice. For more information, or to get a quote on coverage, contact an insurance carrier in your area today. 

For more info about Medicare Supplement plans, contact a local company.