Medicare

When you are enrolled in Traditional Medicare, you usually have Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) basic coverage. To help pay the costs that Medicare does not cover you have three options:

1. Add a Prescription Drug Plan (Plan D) to add drug coverage

2. Add Medicare Supplemental Insurance, also referred to as 'Medigap', to cover the gaps in your Traditional Medicare Plan

3. Switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan (Plan C), as an HMO or PPO, that provides all your Part A, Part B, and often Part D coverage

Medicare Supplement Plans only work in conjunction with the traditional Medicare Plan. Typically, you must have Medicare Part A and Part B in order to be eligible for a Supplement Plan. Your application will be accepted if you are 65 or older and apply within six months of your initial enrollment in Plan B of Medicare.

You can generally join a Medicare Advantage Plan if you meet these conditions:

1. You have Medicare Part A and Part B

2. You live in the service area of the plan

3. You don't have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis

You become eligible for Medicare when you reach age 65. You have two basic choices to cover your health care needs: Original Medicare Coverage plus Medicare Supplemental insurance, or Medicare Advantage Plans. Medicare Advantage Plans are plans like a HMO or PPO provided by a private insurer approved by Medicare.

Anthem Medicare Preferred PPO Plans from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield for example are Medicare Advantage PPO health plans available to Medicare Beneficiaries in California, Indiana, Kentucky, Nevada and Ohio. Members have low or no plan deductible before plan benefits begin, and Anthem Medicare Preferred PPO allows its member to use the services of any physician, hospital or other provider within the plan's network.

For tips that can reduce your medical bills with a Medigap plan, visit Medicare Supplemental Insurance.