Traditional Medicare versus Medicare Advantage Plans

How do you decide on whether to choose between a traditional Medicare benefit or a Medicare Advantage plan? 

Once you become eligible for Medicare you have the option on how to receive your benefits.  First and foremost, it is important to understand the different parts of Medicare and how they work together as well as the significant differences between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. 

Medicare has four (4) parts: Part A, B, C, and D.  Part A covers hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, home health care and hospice care; Part B covers doctor visits, medical equipment, outpatient procedures, lab tests, x-rays, ambulance services, and some preventive services; Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is administered and run by private insurers.  It is just another way of receiving Medicare A and B coverage; Part D provides outpatient prescription drug coverage.  It is also managed by private insurance companies.

Do your homework in gathering and asking questions before enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan.  Your choice is based on your personal situations, which include your health, willingness to change, budget, and accepting financial risk.

When you enroll in Medicare for the first time, you are automatically enrolled in traditional Medicare, but if you prefer, you can choose a private Medicare Advantage plan.  If you choose to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan, you are still in the Medicare program and continue to have Medicare rights and protections, but you have chosen to have your Medicare benefit provided through a private plan. 

Middlebury Convalescent Home currently has Medicare Advantage plan contracts with Connecticare and Anthem BCBS.

The Center for Medicare Advocacy’s website provides information on choosing between traditional Medicare and a Medicare Advantage benefit, and how to explore your options.  Go to http://www.medicareadvocacy.org/choosing-between-traditional-medicare-and-a-medicare-advantage-plan/ for details.

You can also contact Admissions at Middlebury Convalescent Home if you should have any questions.