Medicare Advantage Plans Another type of Medicare coverage, known as Medicare Advantage Plans, is available in many areas of the country. These Medicare plans include HMOs, PPO’s, private fee-for-services plans, and special needs plans. In comparison to the Orignial Medicare Plan, Medicare Advantage Plans often give you more choices and sometimes extra benefits, like coverage for more days in the hospital. Many include Part D drug coverage. To join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you must have Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. You will pay the monthly premium for Medicare Part B, and you may also have to pay a premium to your Medicare Advantage Plan for the extra benefits it offers. Medigap Supplemental Insurance Since Medicare doesn’t cover all medical expenses, people who don’t have other health insurance and choose not to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan may decide to purchase a Medigap policy. Medigap is private insurance that helps to cover some of the gaps in Medicare benefits. Since 1992, there have been 10 standard Medicare supplemental policies. These Medigap policies are designated by the letters A through J. In 2005, two new Medigap policies—designated by the letters K and L—were added. Medigap policies K and L have higher out-of-pocket amounts and lower premiums than policies A through J. Although all 12 standard policies may not be available to you where you live, supplemental Plan A is available to Medicare beneficiaries everywhere. For more information on Medicare, Medigap policies, and Medicare prescription drug coverage, contact the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Log onto their Web site at www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). 17