Nate Edwards Jr

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies—like Humana—contracted by the federal government. Medicare Advantage, also referred to as Medicare Part C, covers the same healthcare services as Original Medicare, with the exception of hospice care. Many Medicare Advantage plans also include prescription drug coverage.

In addition, many Medicare Advantage plans include coverage for vision, dental and hearing care. Health and wellness benefits like fitness programs may be offered, as well.

With Medicare Advantage plans, instead of paying your healthcare bills directly, the federal government pays private insurance companies—like Humana—to administer your coverage.

While there is a monthly premium for Medicare Advantage plans, many private insurance companies choose to offer affordable or $0 plan premiums to compete for your business. They also set the guidelines for your deductible, coinsurance and copays. This information is readily available on private insurers' websites, or you can make an appointment with a licensed Humana sales agent to learn the details for Humana plans.

As with Original Medicare members, Medicare Advantage members must continue to pay their Part B premium.

There are 2 ways to get Medicare prescription drug coverage:

• You can choose a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage (these are called Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans)
• You can purchase a stand-alone prescription drug plan—called Part D—to add to your Original Medicare

Your out-of-pocket costs for prescription drug deductibles, copays and coinsurance vary from plan to plan. Be sure to check each plan's Drug List (list of covered drugs) to see what drugs are covered.

Medicare Supplement insurance, often called Medigap coverage, helps pay some of the healthcare costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover. That may include:

• Copayments
• Coinsurance
• Deductibles
• Medical care when you travel outside the U.S.

You'll pay a monthly premium for a Medicare Supplement plan in addition to your Part B premiums. A Medigap policy is different from a Medicare Advantage Plan. Those plans are ways to get Medicare benefits, while a Medigap policy only supplements your Original Medicare benefits.

With Original Medicare, a primary care doctor is not required. You can visit any doctor who accepts Medicare.

With a Medicare Advantage plan, your choice of doctor depends on whether you select a health maintenance organization (HMO) or preferred provider organization (PPO) plan.

With an HMO plan, you can choose your primary care physician from any doctor in the plan's network. If you opt for a PPO plan, generally, choosing a primary care physician is optional. With both types of plans, you'll usually save money by visiting a network provider.

It's important to note that Medicare Advantage plans must offer emergency coverage outside of the plan's service area, anywhere in the U.S.