Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage?

If you are 65 or older, then you probably are getting frequent notifications and advertisements right now about Medicare plans. The sign-up or renewal period is October 15 – December 7. Traditional Medicare plus a supplement or a Medicare Advantage plan is the basic choice. Then there are numerous choices in each of these categories.

Recently I’ve seen several warnings about Medicare Advantage plans. While I will certainly look and ask questions again this year, I have to say that Medicare Advantage has been perfect for me the past few years.

I think the biggest consideration is the current state of your health (and I know this can change on a dime, and inconveniently in the middle of a plan year!). Still, I presently have minimal health care needs. My Medicare Advantage plan covers an annual exam and screenings, plus preventive services. Co-pays are low. My biggest consideration is to make sure that my preferred doctors and hospital system are included in the plan. Last year they weren’t, and I had to switch plans. (This year they are, and I will switch back!) A second consideration is that my meds are covered, preferably in Tier I. Since I only take two common prescriptions regularly, this isn’t a big deal either. Also, I don’t travel much.

For someone with more extensive healthcare needs, the decision could be quite different.

I encourage you to talk with a Medicare professional as to what is best for you. These consultations are usually free. You can also go to Medicare.gov for more information.