{"id":627008,"date":"2024-07-08T19:13:12","date_gmt":"2024-07-08T16:13:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/which-should-you-choose-for-health-coverage\/"},"modified":"2024-07-08T19:13:12","modified_gmt":"2024-07-08T16:13:12","slug":"which-should-you-choose-for-health-coverage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/which-should-you-choose-for-health-coverage\/","title":{"rendered":"#Which should you choose for health coverage?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a2b57d711368\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a2b57d711368\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/which-should-you-choose-for-health-coverage\/#How_Original_Medicare_works\" >How Original Medicare works<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/which-should-you-choose-for-health-coverage\/#Costs_Original_Medicare\" >Costs: Original Medicare<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/which-should-you-choose-for-health-coverage\/#%F0%9F%94%8D_Part_B_Medicare_and_your_taxes\" >\ud83d\udd0d Part B: Medicare and your taxes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/which-should-you-choose-for-health-coverage\/#Related_reading_How_to_budget_in_retirement_7_steps_to_maintaining_your_finances_on_a_fixed_income\" >Related reading: How to budget in retirement: 7 steps to maintaining your finances on a fixed income<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/which-should-you-choose-for-health-coverage\/#How_Medicare_Advantage_works\" >How Medicare Advantage works<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/which-should-you-choose-for-health-coverage\/#Work_with_in-network_providers\" >Work with in-network providers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/which-should-you-choose-for-health-coverage\/#May_have_lower_costs\" >May have lower costs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/which-should-you-choose-for-health-coverage\/#%F0%9F%94%8D_Breakdown_of_potential_Medicare_Advantage_costs\" >\ud83d\udd0d Breakdown of potential Medicare Advantage costs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/which-should-you-choose-for-health-coverage\/#Out-of-pocket_maximum\" >Out-of-pocket maximum<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/which-should-you-choose-for-health-coverage\/#At_a_glance_Original_Medicare_vs_Medicare_Advantage\" >At a glance: Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/which-should-you-choose-for-health-coverage\/#How_to_compare_Original_Medicare_and_Medicare_Advantage\" >How to compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/which-should-you-choose-for-health-coverage\/#Budget\" >Budget<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/which-should-you-choose-for-health-coverage\/#Availability_and_access_to_providers\" >Availability and access to providers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/which-should-you-choose-for-health-coverage\/#Your_overall_health\" >Your overall health<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/which-should-you-choose-for-health-coverage\/#Enrolling_in_Medicare\" >Enrolling in Medicare<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/which-should-you-choose-for-health-coverage\/#Sources\" >Sources<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/which-should-you-choose-for-health-coverage\/#About_the_writer\" >About the writer<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div>Health is wealth, so choosing the right healthcare coverage is a major consideration, especially as you age. When you turn 65, you\u2019re eligible for Medicare, a health insurance program offered by the federal government.<\/p>\n<p>But it\u2019s not that straightforward: When you enroll, you have two coverage options to choose from \u2014 Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. While these plans both offer healthcare coverage, they\u2019re very different when it comes to accessing care.<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s what to know \u2014 including key differences \u2014 when comparing traditional Medicare to Medicare Advantage to find the best choice for your health, budget and medical needs.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"caas-jump-link-heading\" id=\"how-original-medicare-works\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Original_Medicare_works\"><\/span>How Original Medicare works<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Original Medicare is a health insurance plan offered by the federal government. It includes both Medicare Part A hospital insurance and Medicare Part B medical insurance as part of your coverage. If you want drug coverage, you must choose to add Medicare Part D separately.<\/p>\n<p>One of the primary benefits of Original Medicare is that there are very few restrictions on who you can see for care. As long as your physician or hospital accepts Medicare, you have your choice of who you can see anywhere across the United States.<\/p>\n<p>That flexibility is particularly attractive if you want to have the freedom of seeing any healthcare provider without the need for a referral.<\/p>\n<p>But that flexibility comes at a cost. One of the main drawbacks of Original Medicare is that there isn\u2019t a cap on your out-of-pocket maximums. Plus, you typically must pay 20% of the cost of care after meeting your deductible \u2014 referred to as coinsurance.<\/p>\n<p>To help soften the impact of these expenses, you can get Medicare Supplement Insurance \u2014 commonly called Medigap \u2014 which pays a share of your out-of-pocket costs.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"caas-jump-link-heading\" id=\"costs-original-medicare\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Costs_Original_Medicare\"><\/span>Costs: Original Medicare<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Cost is a major factor when you\u2019re on a limited or fixed income. Here\u2019s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for Original Medicare.<\/p>\n<div class=\"caas-pull-quote-wrapper caas-img caas-lazy\" data-src=\"\">\n<blockquote class=\"caas-blockquote\">\n<p><strong>What is a hospital benefit period?<\/strong> It\u2019s how Original Medicare measures your use of hospital and skilled nursing services. The benefit period begins when you\u2019re admitted and ends when you\u2019ve gone without inpatient hospital care for 60 consecutive days (or skilled care for up to 100 days). There\u2019s no limit to the number of hospital benefit periods you\u2019re allowed.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<p>Typically, your Medicare Part B premium is deducted directly from your <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/social-mediaa\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"1\" title=\"Social Media\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Social<\/a> Security benefits. If you opt in to Part D, you can either get billed directly or contact your plan to request the payment get deducted from your Social Security benefits.<\/p>\n<p>For both Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D, if your income is over a specific threshold you\u2019ll pay an income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA) on top of your premiums.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%94%8D_Part_B_Medicare_and_your_taxes\"><\/span><strong>\ud83d\udd0d <\/strong>Part B: Medicare and your taxes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Medicare uses your income and tax filing status from two years before to calculate Part B premiums. If you are single or are married and file separately on your taxes and your modified adjusted gross income is greater than $103,000, you\u2019ll pay a higher premium. If you\u2019re married and file jointly and your income exceeds $206,000, you\u2019ll pay more than the standard amount. The premium amount you pay is tiered and based on income.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"caas-jump-link-heading\" id=\"related-reading-how-to-budget-in-retirement-7-steps-to-maintaining-your-finances-on-a-fixed-income\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_reading_How_to_budget_in_retirement_7_steps_to_maintaining_your_finances_on_a_fixed_income\"><\/span><strong>Related reading:<\/strong> How to budget in retirement: 7 steps to maintaining your finances on a fixed income<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h2 class=\"caas-jump-link-heading\" id=\"how-medicare-advantage-works\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Medicare_Advantage_works\"><\/span>How Medicare Advantage works<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Medicare Advantage is health insurance provided by a private insurance company. These plans are Medicare-<a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/download-scripts-themes-apps\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"9\" title=\"Download Scripts &amp; Themes &amp; Apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">app<\/a>roved and combine elements of Medicare including Part A hospital insurance, Part B medical insurance and typically Part D drug coverage under one plan. About half (50.4%) of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in an Medicare Advantage plan.<\/p>\n<p>Medicare Advantage \u2014 which is Medicare Part C \u2014 is a viable alternative to traditional Medicare. Instead of getting health insurance from the federal government, you can streamline coverage with more choices by selecting a plan through a private insurer. This can expand your options initially. But an important difference when comparing Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage is access to care.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"caas-jump-link-heading\" id=\"work-with-in-network-providers\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Work_with_in-network_providers\"><\/span>Work with in-network providers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Medicare Advantage plans <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/general\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"3\" title=\"General\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">general<\/a>ly require you to see providers that are in the specific plan\u2019s network.<\/p>\n<p>So unlike Original Medicare, which allows you to see any doctor who accepts Medicare, with Medicare Advantage, you\u2019re limited to in-network providers and those in your specific service area.<\/p>\n<p>This can add more red tape to the process. For instance, you need to review which providers you can see. If you need to see a specialist, you may need to get a referral, which can lead to delays.<\/p>\n<p>More Medicare Advantage plan beneficiaries (22%) experienced delays compared to those with Original Medicare (13%), according to a <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:4;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.commonwealthfund.org\/publications\/surveys\/2024\/feb\/what-do-medicare-beneficiaries-value-about-their-coverage\" data-ylk=\"slk:2024 Commonwealth Fund survey.;cpos:4;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">2024 Commonwealth Fund survey.<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"caas-jump-link-heading\" id=\"may-have-lower-costs\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"May_have_lower_costs\"><\/span>May have lower costs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Where Medicare Advantage plans shine is in the additional benefits and the cost. Through a Medicare Advantage plan, you may have access to more services like dental, vision and hearing coverage. Original Medicare doesn\u2019t include these benefits.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, some Medicare Advantage plans may cost less than Original Medicare and come with a $0 premium. You\u2019re still responsible for the Part B premium, but some plans help you cover a portion of those costs as well.<\/p>\n<p>In other cases, you may pay both the Part B premium and the Medicare Advantage premium. The Part D costs are typically already baked into the coverage. Medicare Advantage costs vary and depend on the plan you choose.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%94%8D_Breakdown_of_potential_Medicare_Advantage_costs\"><\/span>\ud83d\udd0d Breakdown of potential Medicare Advantage costs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul class=\"caas-list caas-list-bullet\">\n<li>\n<p><strong>Plan premium. <\/strong>The premium will vary but could be $0. Some 73% of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries with prescription drug coverage paid no monthly premium aside from Part B in 2023, according to health policy nonprofit KFF. The government reports an average monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan is $18.50.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Part B. <\/strong>Generally, you\u2019ll still pay your Medicare Part B premium \u2014 which is $174.70 a month in 2024. Some Medicare Advantage plans provide what\u2019s called a giveback benefit, which helps cover some of the costs for your Part B premium. The amount can range from 10 cents to the total monthly premium, according to insurance provider Humana.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Part D. <\/strong>Medicare Advantage plans bundle Part D in the plan, so costs are typically included if you pay a premium.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If your income is above a stated threshold, you\u2019re still responsible for IRMAA charges on Part B and Part D with a Medicare Advantage plan. To pay for Medicare Advantage premiums, you can make payments to the company or set up direct deposit. You can also request for the company to deduct premiums from your Social Security benefits.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"caas-jump-link-heading\" id=\"out-of-pocket-maximum\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Out-of-pocket_maximum\"><\/span>Out-of-pocket maximum<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Another major difference when comparing Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage is out-of-pocket costs. Unlike traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans <em>do<\/em> have an out-of-pocket maximum. In 2024, that amount is $8,850, though your specific plan\u2019s maximum can be lower. Original Medicare has no such limit.<\/p>\n<p>While Medigap coverage can help offset costs associated with Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage beneficiaries are not eligible for Medigap.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"caas-jump-link-heading\" id=\"at-a-glance-original-medicare-vs-medicare-advantage\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"At_a_glance_Original_Medicare_vs_Medicare_Advantage\"><\/span>At a glance: Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"caas-jump-link-heading\" id=\"how-to-compare-original-medicare-and-medicare-advantage\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_compare_Original_Medicare_and_Medicare_Advantage\"><\/span>How to compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage both offer you health insurance but are delivered in different packages and price points. Weigh each of the following factors before making a decision about your coverage.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"caas-jump-link-heading\" id=\"budget\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Budget\"><\/span>Budget<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When comparing plans, review premiums, deductibles, copayments and out-of-pocket maximums. Keep in mind that Original Medicare has no limit.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOriginal Medicare is more costly without Medicare supplement plans since there is a 20% coinsurance. Advantage has lower premiums but copayments are required for services. There is also an out-of-pocket maximum,\u201d explains Pamela Sams, financial advisor and chartered retirement planning counselor at Jackson Sams Wealth Strategies.<\/p>\n<p>But don\u2019t just get lured in by the potential for $0 premiums with Medicare Advantage. You\u2019ll still need to pay for Part B. And if you get seriously ill and need to see a specialist, you\u2019re likely limited to your network and your service area.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"caas-jump-link-heading\" id=\"availability-and-access-to-providers\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Availability_and_access_to_providers\"><\/span>Availability and access to providers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Original Medicare offers much more freedom and flexibility with who you see and where, as you can see any healthcare provider that takes Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans require you to see someone in their network and may have restrictions and only cover care in a specific service area.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOriginal Medicare is good for those who want flexibility of doctors and hospitals,\u201d says Sams. \u201cAlso, those who are frequent <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/trip-and-travel\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"10\" title=\"Trip &amp; Travel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">travel<\/a>ers. Advantage is suitable for those who want coordinated care and are OK with some restrictions on network providers.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"caas-jump-link-heading\" id=\"your-overall-health\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Your_overall_health\"><\/span>Your overall health<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Consider your needs and where you\u2019re at with your health: Do you need prescription drug coverage or access to a specialist? Do you want dental and vision benefits? Are you expecting high medical costs?<\/p>\n<p>If you don\u2019t need prescription drug coverage and you want to see a specific specialist, Original Medicare can be a good fit. If you want dental and vision benefits or you\u2019re anticipating high medical expenses, Medicare Advantage is a good option, as its plans may come with extra benefits and have an out-of-pocket maximum.<\/p>\n<p>However, be aware that <strong>Medicare Advantage typically requires prior authorization<\/strong>, and some plans have denied claims in the past, which you can appeal. (Of the 35 million authorization requests submitted in 2021, Medicare Advantage denied about 6%, according to a <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:5;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jama-health-forum\/fullarticle\/2815743\" data-ylk=\"slk:March 2024 JAMA Health Forum article;cpos:5;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">March 2024 JAMA Health Forum article<\/a>. Only 11% of the denials were appealed, with 82% of those appeals successful in overturning the initial decision.)<\/p>\n<p>And there\u2019s another major issue to consider if you opt for a Medicare Advantage plan after the initial enrollment period. If you get sick and find the costs are too high on your Medicare Advantage plan, when you\u2019re eligible, you might consider going back to Original Medicare and getting a Medigap policy to help cover costs.<\/p>\n<p>However, an insurance company could deny you a Medigap policy <em>after<\/em> the initial enrollment period because of a prior medical condition, such as diabetes or asthma. If you sign up for Original Medicare and a Medigap policy when you first become eligible, preexisting conditions are not considered.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related reading:<\/strong> How to budget in retirement: 7 steps to maintaining your finances on a fixed income<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"caas-jump-link-heading\" id=\"enrolling-in-medicare\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Enrolling_in_Medicare\"><\/span>Enrolling in Medicare<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You can enroll in Medicare during four specific enrollment periods:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"caas-list caas-list-bullet\">\n<li>\n<p><strong>Initial enrollment period. <\/strong>This period spans seven months and is the three months before your 65th birthday, your birthday month and three months after.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Open enrollment period. <\/strong>You can change Medicare Advantage plans, switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage or vice versa each year from October 15 to December 7.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Medicare Advantage open enrollment period. <\/strong>From January 1 to March 31 \u2014 or the initial three months on Medicare \u2014 you can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan if you\u2019re currently on one or revert back to Original Medicare.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Special enrollment period. <\/strong>The time frame varies, but you can make changes after life changes like moving or losing out on coverage.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"caas-jump-link-heading\" id=\"sources\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sources\"><\/span>Sources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul class=\"caas-list caas-list-bullet\">\n<li>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:7;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.medicare.gov\/basics\/get-started-with-medicare\" data-ylk=\"slk:Get started with Medicare;cpos:7;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">Get started with Medicare<\/a>, U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services. Accessed July 8, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:8;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.medicare.gov\/drug-coverage-part-d\/costs-for-medicare-drug-coverage\/monthly-premium-for-drug-plans\" data-ylk=\"slk:Monthly premium for drug plans;cpos:8;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">Monthly premium for drug plans<\/a>, U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services. Accessed July 8, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:9;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cms.gov\/newsroom\/fact-sheets\/cms-releases-2024-projected-medicare-part-d-premium-and-bid-information\" data-ylk=\"slk:CMS Releases 2024 Projected Medicare Part D Premium and Bid Information;cpos:9;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">CMS Releases 2024 Projected Medicare Part D Premium and Bid Information<\/a>, U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services. Accessed July 8, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:10;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/secure.ssa.gov\/poms.nsf\/lnx\/0601101020\" data-ylk=\"slk:IRMAA Sliding Scale Tables;cpos:10;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">IRMAA Sliding Scale Tables<\/a>, Social Security Administration. Accessed July 8, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:11;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/data.cms.gov\/summary-statistics-on-beneficiary-enrollment\/medicare-and-medicaid-reports\/medicare-monthly-enrollment\" data-ylk=\"slk:Medicare Monthly Enrollment;cpos:11;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">Medicare Monthly Enrollment<\/a>, U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services. Accessed July 8, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:12;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.commonwealthfund.org\/publications\/surveys\/2024\/feb\/what-do-medicare-beneficiaries-value-about-their-coverage\" data-ylk=\"slk:What Do Medicare Beneficiaries Value About Their Coverage?;cpos:12;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">What Do Medicare Beneficiaries Value About Their Coverage?<\/a> The Commonwealth Fund. Accessed July 8, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:13;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/medicare\/issue-brief\/medicare-advantage-in-2023-premiums-out-of-pocket-limits-cost-sharing-supplemental-benefits-prior-authorization-and-star-ratings\/\" data-ylk=\"slk:Medicare Advantage in 2023: Premiums, Out-of-Pocket Limits, Cost Sharing, Supplemental Benefits, Prior Authorization, and Star Ratings;cpos:13;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">Medicare Advantage in 2023: Premiums, Out-of-Pocket Limits, Cost Sharing, Supplemental Benefits, Prior Authorization, and Star Ratings<\/a>, KFF. Accessed July 8, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:14;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cms.gov\/newsroom\/press-releases\/medicare-advantage-and-medicare-prescription-drug-programs-remain-stable-2024#:~:text=The%20average%20monthly%20plan%20premium,64\" data-ylk=\"slk:Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Programs to Remain Stable in 2024;cpos:14;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Programs to Remain Stable in 2024<\/a>, U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services. Accessed July 8, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:15;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.humana.com\/medicare\/medicare-resources\/part-b-giveback-benefit\" data-ylk=\"slk:Medicare Part B Giveback Benefit explained;cpos:15;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">Medicare Part B Giveback Benefit explained<\/a>, Humana. Accessed July 8, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-i13n=\"cpos:16;pos:1\" href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jama-health-forum\/fullarticle\/2815743\" data-ylk=\"slk:Coverage Denials in Medicare Advantage\u2014Balancing Access and Efficiency;cpos:16;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">Coverage Denials in Medicare Advantage\u2014Balancing Access and Efficiency<\/a>, JAMA Health Forum. Accessed July 8, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"caas-jump-link-heading\" id=\"about-the-writer\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_the_writer\"><\/span>About the writer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Melanie Lockert is an L.A.-born and Brooklyn-based freelance writer with a decade of experience in personal finance. Melanie started the Dear Debt blog in 2013 and chronicled her journey out of $81,000 in student loan debt. She published a book of the same name in 2016. Her personal finance expertise has been featured on Fortune Recommends, CNN Underscored, Yahoo Finance and Business Insider, among other publications. She is also the host of the Mental Health and Wealth Show and cofounder of the Lola Retreat, a finance event for women.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<blockquote><p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/publications\/CAAqBwgKMN63nwsw68G3Aw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Google News<\/a><\/span>\u00a0too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you want to read more <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/news\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"2\" title=\"News\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">News<\/a> articles, you can visit our <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/news\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">News category.<\/a><\/span><\/strong>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"color: black;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aol.com\/finance\/original-medicare-vs-medicare-advantage-161312526.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Health is wealth, so choosing the right healthcare coverage is a major consideration, especially as you age. When you turn 65, you\u2019re eligible for Medicare, a health insurance program offered by the federal government. But it\u2019s not that straightforward: When you enroll, you have two coverage options to choose from \u2014 Original Medicare and Medicare&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":627009,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/BO._GeK5qo3Zm8JVIbMGQA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyMDA7aD03NzA-\/https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/os\/creatr-uploaded-images\/2024-07\/38eba2b0-3d41-11ef-bfef-72f688a59311","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[70897],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-627008","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/627008","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=627008"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/627008\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/627009"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=627008"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=627008"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=627008"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}