Medicare basic benefits and coverage is divided into four parts. Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B are government insurance plans while Part C and Part D are private insurance plans. Medicare 101
With original Medicare (part A and part B) you are free to use any doctor that accepts Medicare assignment. With Medicare Part C or Part D, you must find a doctor willing to accept the private insurance companies terms and fee schedule.
When you have original Medicare you and your doctor decide the level of care you need.
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Basic Medicare or Medicare Advantage?
With Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) the insurance company makes those decisions for you.
Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) is also handled by private insurance companies. Some may feel Part D is a waste of money. Prescription drugs are available at a discount through mail order services such as Blue Sky that are much cheaper than meds covered by your Part D.
But if you fail to sign up for Part D when first eligible you will be required to pay a late enrollment penalty of 1% per month for every month you could have enrolled in Part D but failed to do so.
Medicare Supplement Insurance – Medigap
Most seniors age 65 and older opt for original Medicare and a supplement plan, also known as Medigap. Medigap plans are assigned letters by CMS which denotes the benefits of each plan. Medigap plans offered in Georgia are plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N and Hi F.
Popular Medigap carriers include Blue Cross, Mutual of Omaha, Gerber, Humana and New Era.
Georgia Medicare Plans has affordable rates for Medigap plans from all major carriers. You can run rates online using our quote engine or ask for a personalized quote based on your needs.
Most Medicare supplement carriers do not illustrate their rates online. The only way to view the most options is to request a personalized Medigap quote.
