Each Medicare Advantage Plan must provide all Part A and Part B services covered by Original Medicare, but they can do so with different rules, costs, and restrictions that can affect how and when you receive care. It is important to understand your Medicare coverage choices and to pick your coverage carefully.

Receive updates about Medicare Interactive and special discounts for MI Pro courses, webinars, and more. Register These sections compare the different kinds of Medicare Advantage Plans, including eligibility, enrollment, and costs.

Once you have become Medicare-eligible and enroll, you can choose to get your Medicare benefits from Original Medicare, the traditional fee-for-service program offered directly through the federal government, or from a Medicare Advantage Plan, a type of private insurance offered by companies that contract with Medicare (the federal government).

Medicare also covers lancets and test strips used with diabetes self-testing equipment. Note: There are also certain kinds of equipment and supplies that Medicare never covers. To find out if Medicare covers the equipment or supplies you need, or to find a DME supplier in your area, call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov.

While the majority of people with Medicare get their health coverage from Original Medicare, some choose to get their benefits from a Medicare Advantage Plan, also known as a Medicare private health plan or Part C. MA Plans contract with the federal government and are paid a fixed amount per person to provide Medicare benefits.

A particular plan may not be available where you live. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to find out about plans available in your area. The table below compares Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Remember that there are several different types of Medicare Advantage Plan.

Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are private companies that the federal government pays to administer Medicare benefits. Like all Medicare Advantage Plans, SNPs must provide you with the same benefits, rights, and protections as Original Medicare, but they may do so with different rules, restrictions, and costs. Some SNPs offer additional ...

This means that while non-participating providers have signed up to accept Medicare insurance, they do not accept Medicare’s approved amount for health care services as full payment. Non-participating providers can charge up to 15% more than Medicare’s approved amount for the cost of services you receive (known as the limiting charge ).

If your card is ever lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement card by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227). You can also order or print a card by logging in to your mymedicare.gov account. Remember: Do not give your Medicare or Social Security numbers or personal data to strangers. Medicare will never ask for this information over the ...

15. You disenroll from your Medicare Advantage Plan during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period 16. You qualify for a new Part D Initial Enrollment Period when you turn 65 17. You want to enroll in a five-star Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D plan 18. You have been in a consistently low-performing Medicare Advantage or Part D plan 19.