Understand Your Medicare Coverage Choices * Area Agency on Aging of Central Texas

When choosing which coverage is right for you, consider:

Original Medicare: You pay a monthly Part B premium, and any copayments, coinsurances, and deductibles. There is no limit to how much you can pay out of pocket, but you can buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy to help.
Medicare Advantage: You pay the monthly Part B premium plus the plan’s premium (if they have one). You also pay any copayments, coinsurances, and deductibles, but once you reach the plan’s yearly maximum, you will pay nothing for health services for the rest of the year.

Original Medicare: Covers services and supplies in hospitals, doctors’ offices, and other health care settings under Part A (Hospital Insurance) or Part B (Medical Insurance). You can add drug coverage by joining a Medicare drug plan.
Medicare Advantage Plans: Must cover all services and supplies that Original Medicare covers and most include drug coverage. They may also have extra benefits like dental or vision.

Original Medicare: You can go to any hospital and use any doctor that accepts Medicare.
Medicare Advantage: You may need to use doctors and hospitals in that plan’s network.

It is important to understand your options so you can get the coverage that is right for you.

1.	Use Medicare Plan Finder (Medicare.gov) or call 1-800-MEDICARE to compare Medicare Advantage or Part D plans in your new area.
2.	Contact the Area Agency on Aging of Central Texas, your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at 254-770-2330 or 800-447-7169, for information and/or assistance about Medicare, Medicare Savings Program, Extra Help, Medicare Advantage or Part D plans.
3.	Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at 877-839-2675 to learn about cost assistance programs and Medigap enrollment rules in the state to which you are moving.
4.	Contact your Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) at 1-888-341-6187 or 713-341-6184, to report potential Medicare fraud or abuse.