Medicare is the federally sponsored health insurance program for individuals who are 65 and older or who have certain disabilities. Medicare Advantage is a private health insurance plan that is an alternative to traditional Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are administered by private insurance companies and are required to provide at least the same level of coverage as original Medicare. The main difference between Medicare and Medicare Advantage is that Medicare Advantage plans may include additional benefits and services not covered by original Medicare, such as vision, hearing, and dental coverage.
Medicare Advantage plans also often have lower out-of-pocket costs than original Medicare. These plans typically require you to pay a monthly premium, as well as copayments and coinsurance for services you receive. In addition, some plans may have an annual deductible that you must meet before certain services are covered. Medicare Advantage plans may also require you to see doctors and other providers who are part of the plan’s network.
