My Medicare Plan Options

How do I know which option is right for me?

Medicare is complicated. We provided a lot of information in the ‘What is Medicare?’ section to try and simplify it as much as possible. Every person’s situation is different—but when choosing your coverage, it’s helpful to keep in mind there are 3 main options:

Interview with a Local, Licensed Medicare Agent

Option 1: Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and a separate prescription drug plan (Part D)

This option provides basic health coverage but has gaps in coverage and no limit to annual spending that could cost you a lot of money. Original Medicare doesn’t provide prescription drug coverage (Part D), so you would need to enroll in a separate prescription drug plan. In general, Original Medicare may not provide enough coverage on its own.

Option 2: Add a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan that includes prescription drug coverage (Part D)

Signing up for a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) with prescription drug coverage (Part D) in addition to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is one option that provides comprehensive coverage. You have all the benefits of Original Medicare plus coverage for additional benefits to cover the gaps in Original Medicare. Plus, selecting a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage means you get all your coverage in one plan.

View Tufts Health Plan Medicare Advantage plans

Option 3: Add a Medicare Supplement plan and separate prescription drug plan (Part D)

Signing up for a Medicare Supplement Plan and adding a prescription drug plan (Part D) in addition to Original Medicare also provides comprehensive coverage. However, Medicare Supplement plans are generally more expensive than Medicare Advantage plans.

View Tufts Health Plan Medicare Supplement plans

When you are eligible for Medicare, you have several choices of plan types to consider:

• Original Medicare (does not include prescription drug coverage)
• Medicare Advantage Plan (available with prescription drug coverage)
• Medicare Supplement Plan (does not include prescription drug coverage)