How Is Medicare Different?

Medicare is a little different than health care insurance plans that you’ve had before.

When you’re under 65, plans likely include medical and prescription drug coverage. Plans offered by your employer may have provided dental and vision coverage.

Medicare’s basic coverage includes hospital and medical benefits from Medicare Parts A and B. But Medicare doesn’t cover everything. Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans fill in the gaps that Medicare doesn't cover. These plans cover the roughly 20% of costs that Medicare doesn’t cover.

Learn more about Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans.

If you need coverage for your medications, consider a prescription drug plan. These plans only cover prescription drugs, however, and are often used in conjunction with Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans. They are not part of Medicare, and you pay for them separately.

Learn more about Prescription Drug Plans.

If you want more comprehensive health insurance coverage that's like what you've had previously, you might want a Medicare Advantage plan. These plans cover the medical and hospital benefits of Medicare Parts A and B, plus prescription drug coverage, and may offer dental and vision care. All the benefits are included in one plan, so you don’t have to manage multiple plans.

Learn more about Medicare Advantage Plans.