In addition to Original Medicare (Parts A and B), there are a few other components of this federal health insurance plan available to qualified beneficiaries. While Medicare Part A and Part B can often provide well-rounded coverage for many, some people may find they need extra coverage or prefer an alternate plan. 

If you need help paying for your Original Medicare premiums, copays or deductibles, you may consider a Medigap policy to help cover some of these costs. Medicare Part C plans can act as a substitute for Original Medicare and are issued through private companies. Qualified beneficiaries can add drug coverage to their Original Medicare plan by adding Part D.

Although Original Medicare may be a low-cost health insurance option, some people may need help paying for the costs. That’s where a Medigap policy may be able to help. 

Medigap – or Medicare Supplement Insurance – can help pay for some of the costs associated with health care. For example, if you have to make copayments for certain required services, you may be able to find a Medigap plan that pays these for you. 

Some Medigap plans may also cover some services not covered by Original Medicare. For example, you may find a Medigap policy that pays for medical care when you travel internationally. 

In order to get a Medigap policy, you must have Original Medicare (both Parts A and B). Plus, you can expect to pay a separate monthly premium to the Medigap insurance company in addition to your other premiums you pay for Original Medicare.

But what if you don’t want Original Medicare? If you qualify but do not choose to enroll in Part A or Part B, you may choose to purchase Medicare Part C, also known as a Medicare Advantage Plan. These plans are alternatives to Original Medicare, so you can’t enroll in Part C if you are currently enrolled in Part A or B.

Some people may opt for a Medicare Advantage Plan because they might have lower out-of-pocket costs. Some may find that a Medicare Advantage Plan has more covered services or benefits, such as more extensive vision or dental care.

The last component of Medicare provides prescription drug coverage. Medicare Part D helps to cover the cost of prescription drugs, including insulin. Like private health insurance, not all prescription drugs are covered by this plan. It is important that beneficiaries check with their doctor before ordering a prescription to determine if it will be covered by Medicare. 

Medicare Part D has different prescription coverage levels, known as “tiers.” The lowest tier contains mostly generic prescription drugs, which are low-cost alternatives to brand-name drugs. Learn more about Medicare costs in the following slide.