Navigating Medicare can feel confusing, especially as you approach eligibility or consider changing your coverage. Understanding the different parts of Medicare—and how private insurance companies fit into the picture—can help you make more confident, informed decisions.
Licensed insurance agents with Bartley Insurance Services can answer your questions and provide information about Medicare options, including Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug (Part D), and Medicare Supplement insurance plans.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people age 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities. While it is a government program, many of the coverage choices available to you are offered through private insurance companies.
Original Medicare is made up of:
Many people quickly discover that Original Medicare doesn’t cover everything. That’s where options like Medicare Advantage, Part D prescription drug plans, and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans come in.
A Medicare Advantage Plan (also known as Medicare Part C) is a health insurance plan provided through a private insurer and delivers your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits.
Instead of receiving your Part A and Part B directly from the federal government, you enroll in a private plan that is approved by Medicare. These plans must provide at least the same level of coverage as Original Medicare, and many offer additional benefits.
While specific plan details vary by insurer and location, many Medicare Advantage Plans may offer:
Because these plans are offered by private insurers, it’s important to compare:
Licensed insurance agents at Bartley Insurance Services can explain the details of plans available in your area and help you compare your Medicare Advantage options.
A Part D Drug Plan is a prescription drug insurance plan provided through a private insurer and delivers Medicare Part D benefits.
If you take medications regularly, Part D coverage can be an important part of managing your healthcare costs. You may receive Part D coverage in one of two ways:
When comparing Part D plans, it’s important to review:
Because each insurer designs its own Part D plans within Medicare rules, costs and coverage can vary widely. Bartley Insurance Services can help you review plan options based on the medications you take.
Medicare Supplement insurance, also known as Medigap, is offered by private insurance companies to help pay some of the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare does not fully cover.
These costs may include:
Medigap policies are standardized by plan letter (such as Plan G, Plan N, etc.), but the premiums and some details can vary by insurer.
If you choose to stay with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) instead of joining a Medicare Advantage plan, you may be able to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan to help manage your costs.
Important points to remember:
Bartley Insurance Services can explain these rules and help you understand whether a Medicare Supplement plan might fit your needs.
Choosing among Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medicare Supplement plans can be challenging. Each option has different rules, costs, and coverage details.
Licensed insurance agents with Bartley Insurance Services can:
Their goal is to provide clear information so you can select the coverage that works best for your health needs and budget.
This is a solicitation for insurance. Contacting Bartley Insurance Services will connect you with a licensed insurance agent who may discuss Medicare plan options with you.
Before you enroll in or change a plan, it may help to consider questions such as:
A licensed insurance agent from Bartley Insurance Services can walk through these questions with you and provide plan information so you can compare your choices.
Understanding your Medicare options is an important part of protecting both your health and your finances. Whether you are exploring Medicare Advantage Plans, Part D Drug Plans, or Medicare Supplement insurance, guidance from a knowledgeable professional can make the process easier.
Bartley Insurance Services has licensed insurance agents who can answer your questions, provide information about plans from private insurers, and help you review your Medicare choices. Call them at (910) 346-2170 or visit BartleyInsurance.com.
This is a solicitation for insurance. Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or federal Medicare program. Licensed insurance agents can answer your questions and provide information about Medicare options, such as Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug (Part D), and Medicare Supplement insurance plans. A Medicare Advantage Plan is a health insurance plan provided through a private insurer and delivers Medicare Part A and Part B benefits. A Part D Drug Plan is a prescription drug insurance plan provided through a private insurer and delivers Medicare Part D benefits.