Greensboro · Piedmont Triad
Which Medicare option fits your needs?
Medicare Advantage and Medigap work differently. Here’s a starting point for understanding your choices, including what you may pay, which doctors you can see, and what to know about enrolling.
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- Free consultation. No obligation.
Two ways to arrange your coverage
Original Medicare with a Medigap policy. Medigap helps pay certain costs that Original Medicare leaves to you, such as deductibles and coinsurance. What it pays depends on the policy. You pay a separate Medigap premium, and you can generally see providers nationwide who accept Medicare. Prescription coverage is available through a separate Part D plan.
Medicare Advantage. A private insurance plan provides your Part A and Part B benefits, and most plans include prescription coverage. You continue paying your Part B premium and may have an additional plan premium. Review the provider network, any approval requirements for care, copayments, and the yearly limit on covered medical costs. Some plans also offer dental, vision, or hearing benefits.
Questions to consider before you choose
- 1
Which doctors you want to keep
Original Medicare generally lets you see providers who accept Medicare nationwide. Medicare Advantage plans generally use networks. Check the doctors and hospitals you want to keep with either option.
- 2
Your monthly budget and costs when you receive care
Compare the monthly premiums and what you could pay when you need care. Costs depend on the specific Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, so it’s helpful to look at both routine care and a year with higher medical expenses.
- 3
Whether you will still be able to switch later
Your six-month Medigap open enrollment period begins when you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. After it ends, health questions may affect your application unless another protection applies. We can help you understand the rules before you change coverage.
Before you change coverage. Changing from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare does not automatically guarantee you can buy a Medigap policy. Check your eligibility and any protections that apply before making a change. Medicare.gov explains when you can buy Medigap, including situations with additional protections.
Choosing coverage in the Triad
Medicare Advantage options can vary by county. When we compare plans, we’ll use your home address and check the doctors and hospitals you want to use. If you travel often or spend part of the year with family elsewhere, bring that up too so we can review how each option covers care away from home.
If you see doctors with Cone Health, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Novant Health, or another provider, our guide to checking your doctors before choosing a plan can help you confirm the providers you want to keep seeing.
Medicare help in your community
Questions people ask me about this
- Which one is better?
- The choice depends on your doctors, prescriptions, budget, and preferences. We can compare the options and talk through the costs and coverage you would have with each.
- Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap later?
- You may be able to, but acceptance is not always guaranteed. Before leaving your Medicare Advantage plan, check Medigap eligibility, any health questions, and whether you have guaranteed-issue or trial rights.
- Do I need a drug plan with each?
- With Original Medicare and a Medigap policy you buy Part D separately. Most Advantage plans include drug coverage. Either way the drug piece deserves its own look, because plans change their covered medications every year and the one that fit last year may not this year.
- Are the extras on Advantage plans worth it?
- Some Medicare Advantage plans include dental, vision, or hearing benefits. Review their limits, provider requirements, and costs along with the plan’s medical and prescription coverage.
- What if my spouse and I want different things?
- You and your spouse can choose different Medicare plans. Each person’s doctors, prescriptions, and health needs deserve a separate review.
- Which do you recommend?
- We’ll begin with your needs and compare the options I offer. I represent a limited number of insurance companies, and I’ll explain where you can find information about other Medicare choices.
Tell me who you see and what you take
We can review your doctors, prescriptions, and budget together. The consultation is no cost, with no obligation to enroll.
Free consultation in person or by phone. Appointments daily at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm, Eastern time.