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You can choose how you get your health and prescription drug coverage under Medicare.
Original Medicare
Run by the Federal Government.
Provides Part A and/or Part B coverage.
You can go to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.
You can join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to add drug coverage.
You can buy a Medigap policy (Medicare Supplement Insurance sold by private insurance companies) to help fill the gaps in Part A and Part B.
Medicare Advantage Plans (like an HMO or PPO)
Run by private insurance companies approved by and under contract with Medicare.
Provides your Part A and Part B coverage but can charge different amounts for certain services. Many offer extra coverage and prescription drug coverage, sometimes for an extra cost. Cost for items and services vary by plan.
If you go to a doctor, facility, or supplier that doesn't belong to the plan, your services may not be covered, or your costs could be higher, depending on the type of plan.
If you want drug coverage, you must get it through your plan (in most cases).
You don't need and you can't use a Medigap policy with a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Visit www.MyMedicare.gov to view the current Medicare and You handbook. You can also sign up to receive future handbooks electronically.
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