Choosing the best Medicare coverage depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, can be a good option if you want to cover most of the costs that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn’t cover, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

I represent; Aetna, Anthem, Blue Shield, Cigna, Health Net, Humana and UnitedHealthcare along with others.

In California, you also have other options, such as:

1. Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C): These plans are offered by private insurance companies and include coverage for everything that Original Medicare covers, plus additional benefits like vision, dental, and hearing. Some plans might also include fitness programs and other perks.  Medicare Advantage plans are typically an HMO style plan.  Some PPO Advantage plans are available depending on your county of residence.
2. Original Medicare: This consists of Part A (hospital insurance with a $1,632 60-day deductible) and Part B (medical insurance – 20% coinsurance after a $240 annual deductible). You can also add a standalone Medicare Part D plan for prescription drug coverage.

Here’s how to decide which might be best for you:

• Assess Your Healthcare Needs: Consider your current health status, any ongoing treatments, and your need for specialist care. If you frequently need healthcare services, a Medicare Supplement plan might offer the predictability of costs and additional coverage.
• Evaluate Costs: Compare premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and coverage details of different plans. Medicare Supplement plans typically have higher monthly premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs when you receive care. Medicare Advantage plans might have lower premiums but could have higher out-of-pocket costs and network restrictions.
• Check Provider Networks: If you have preferred doctors or hospitals, make sure they are covered by the plan you’re considering.  With Medicare and a supplement, you can see any doctor nationwide who is a medicare approved doctor.
• Review Plan Benefits: Medicare Supplement plans generally offer a standardized set of benefits, but Medicare Advantage plans can vary widely in terms of additional perks and services.

It’s often helpful to speak with a licensed Medicare advisor like myself, or use online tools to compare plans.