Pearson Health Advisors

The second option you have to help fill in the gaps in Original Medicare is to enroll in an advantage plan. Advantage plans are owned by private health insurance companies and encompass both Part A and Part B within their plan. They also often include a Part D prescription drug plan.

Advantage plans usually have lower premiums than supplements, but they have higher out of pocket costs for doctor and hospital visits. Typically you will have a copay or a coninsurance for any medical visit or hospital stay. Many advantage plans also have networks and referrals. When getting on an advantage plan, you will want to check that your doctors are in network. Extra benefits that vary plan to plan is also typically offered with an advantage plan.