TYPES OF PLANS

A Medicare Advantage Plan (also known as Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare, offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. Here are some key features: 

• All-in-One Coverage: Includes Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical), and most plans also include Part D (prescription drugs).
• Extra Benefits: Many plans offer coverage for vision, dental, hearing, fitness programs, and even coverage when traveling
• Provider Networks: You typically must use doctors and hospitals in the plan’s network, except in emergencies.

Cost:

• May have lower premiums than Original Medicare.
• Includes copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket limits.
• You still pay your Part B premium, and possibly an additional premium depending on the plan.

A Medicare Supplement Plan, also known as Medigap, is extra insurance you can buy from a private company to help cover costs that Original Medicare (Parts A & B) doesn’t pay for—like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

Key Things to Know: 

• You must have Medicare Part A and Part B to enroll.
• Medigap does not include prescription drug coverage—you’ll need a separate Part D plan.
• You pay a monthly premium to the private insurer in addition to your Part B premium.

Medicare Part D helps pay for outpatient prescription drugs, including both brand-name and generic medications. It’s offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. You can get Part D coverage in two ways:
         1.  Stand-alone Part D plan (for those with Original Medicare)

            2.  Included in a Medicare Advantage plan (most MA plans bundle drug coverage)

Cost:

• Monthly premium (varies by plan)
• Deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance
• Plans have a formulary (list of covered drugs), which can differ by provider

 Important Notes:

• If you delay enrollment and don’t have other creditable drug coverage, you may face a late enrollment penalty.
• Plans also have preferred pharmacies and may offer tiered pricing based on drug type.
   

Medicare Cost Plans are a type of Medicare health plan offered by private companies that combine features of Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage:

• You can use in-network providers for extra benefits like dental or vision.
• If you go out-of-network, Original Medicare still covers your services.
• Unlike Medicare Advantage, you can switch back to Original Medicare anytime.
• These plans are only available in limited areas and may include optional Part D drug coverage.

They’re ideal for people who want flexibility and live in regions where cost plans are still offered. 

MNsure is Minnesota’s health insurance exchange, created under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). 

Who It’s For:

• Self-employed people, early retirees, or those without employer-sponsored coverage.
• Individuals and families who don’t qualify for Medicare, Medical Assistance (MA), or MinnesotaCare.