Medicare Insurance for High Point, NC

What is Original Medicare and how does it compare to Medicare Advantage?

This commonly asked question usually kicks off the confusion for people trying to first understand all the Medicare options. Essentially, Original Medicare is the default plan for seniors who decide not to get their Medicare benefits through a private insurance company, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. The most basic difference between the two is that with Original Medicare, you can see any doctor or specialist that accepts Medicare, without the need for a referral. Most Medicare Advantage plans have a provider network, which restricts your choice of healthcare providers. But the Medicare Advantage programs will usually offer more coverage, such as routine exams, eye exams and dental care. To try to simplify the difference further, let’s make a easy comparison:

Original Medicare consists of Part A and Part B. Part A is inpatient care in hospitals and at skilled nursing facilities. It also includes hospice care and some home health care. Part B includes doctor visits, outpatient hospital services, durable medical equipment and preventive services.