Get help paying for what Medicare doesn’t cover.

When it comes to paying for what Medicare doesn’t cover, there are options available to you.

Many beneficiaries aren’t required to get Medicare part B or Medicare part D, and can avoid any penalties by having creditable coverage. If your retirement benefits offer medical coverage or if your employer or your spouse’s employer offers group health coverage, you may be eligible to delay your Medicare part B and D indefinitely. If you’re unsure, check with your plan administrator for more information.

For everyone else, there are two types of plans that help cover what Medicare does not. One is called a Medicare Supplement plan and the other is called Medicare Advantage. While the names are similar the programs are very different, as we explain.

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare supplement plans are the most comprehensive plans available for coverage. While plans no longer cover the Medicare part B deductible, they do cover the part A deductible, and up to all of the 20% coinsurance beneficiaries are required to pay after the deductible.

While supplement plans cover most, if not all, of what Medicare does not, there is a premium associated with these plans. Plans are guaranteed issue when you turn 65, but if you don’t take advantage of these plans within 3 months of your 65th birthday, you may have to submit to underwriting and answer medical questions to be approved. Pre-existing conditions can affect your premium and approval so if you like this option for your care, act quickly!

Medicare supplement plans do not include prescription drug coverage, so you’ll also need a part D prescription drug plan, or some other creditable coverage, to have coverage for prescriptions and avoid the part D penalty.

Medicare Advantage – Part C

As promised, we return to the Medicare alphabet to finish the remaining letter, C. Medicare part C is also known as a Medicare Advantage plans. Unlike Original Medicare, your care comes through private insurers like UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, or Wellcare. Unlike medicare supplement plans, these plans have no underwriting, and little to no monthly premium.

There are copays and coinsurances for covered services and beneficiaries will need to use the plan’s network of covered services and providers.

Still, many Medicare Advantage plans offer dental, vision, and hearing, and extra benefits, like an allowance for over-the-counter medications, meals delivered to your door, or a free gym membership.