
Is a Medicare Cost plan available to me? Medicare Cost plans are available in limited areas. They include benefits beyond Original Medicare and can include Part D.
Planting is a great way to perk up our yards and neighborhoods. My favorite part is figuring out which seeds will work best with the sunlight, soil and short Midwestern growing season. In other words, I need the right plants based on where I live.
Medicare plans are a bit like that, too. Some are only available in certain counties, like Medicare Cost plans. So my options depend on where I live. That’s why it’s helpful to learn about all your Medicare options.
Want more coverage than Original Medicare?
Original Medicare includes Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (doctor visits, outpatient care and supplies). But most people want more coverage. Learn about these reasons in Why buy a private plan.
People who enroll in Medicare can choose from different options, depending on the county where you live.
Medicare Cost plans are available in select counties. If you live in one of those counties and enroll, Medicare Cost plans provide extra health benefits. You can add Part D prescription drug coverage to Cost plans. Let’s highlight some reasons you might like a Medicare Cost plan:
- You want a plan to fill the gaps Original Medicare doesn’t cover
- You want a plan with a lower monthly premium, fixed cost-sharing and a maximum amount on how much you pay each year for covered medical services
- You like the flexibility of knowing you can use your Original Medicare benefits if you get care outside the network
- You want extra benefits Original Medicare doesn’t cover (like routine hearing and vision exams or a fitness program)
To help you understand a bit more about these plans, we created this chart. Compare Medicare Cost to Original Medicare coverage and see if it’s the best fit for you.
Coverage & Costs
Original Medicare | Medicare Cost Plan | |
---|---|---|
Are you eligible? |
|
|
When can you enroll? |
|
|
Monthly premium |
|
|
What it covers |
|
|
Prescription drug coverage |
|
|
Convenience & Perks
Medicare Cost Plan | |
---|---|
Convenience |
|
Extra perks and benefits |
|
Need more help? Check out these resources:
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program offers free, independent counseling services and local workshops to help with your health care benefit decisions.
Visit medicare.gov, or talk to a Medicare expert, like an agent, broker or health plan sales rep.
Our monthly Medicare newsletter delivers helpful tips straight to your inbox