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  • What is the Medicare Part B IRMAA?

    What is the Medicare Part B IRMAA?

    What is the Medicare Part B IRMAA?

    Original Medicare Part B, sometimes referred to as medical insurance, helps to cover the cost of outpatient care, ambulance services, mental health services, durable medical equipment, and other medically necessary doctor’s services.

    For those enrolled in Original Medicare, the monthly premium for Original Medicare Part B is standardized. The standard premium (which most beneficiaries will pay) in 2023 is $164.90.

    For individuals with a higher income, a charge called the IRMAA (Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) is added to the Medicare Part B premium.

    The IRMAA is determined annually by the Social Security Administration. They calculate whether or not you have to pay the IRMAA based on your annual income reported on your taxes from 2 years prior.

    In 2023, those who filed single and made more than $97,000 annually or those married, filing jointly making more than $194,000 annually will have to pay the IRMAA. IRMAA is a different amount based on your income from there, and individuals can pay up to $560.60 monthly for Original Medicare Part B. The chart below shows how IRMAA increases across the income brackets.

    If you feel the Social Security Administration’s tax amounts may need to be updated or corrected, you can file an appeal to have your IRMAA charge reduced or eliminated. Also, if you have a sudden life change affecting your annual income, this is another reason for filing an appeal. After receiving your notice of the change, you have 60 days to file an appeal.

    Seniorstar Insurance Group can assist in understanding these charges or answer any of your Medicare questions. Don’t hesitate to call us and reach out at 844-779-5010 or visit seniorstargroup.com for a no-cost, no-obligation coverage review.

  • What is a Qualified Medical Expense?

    What is a Qualified Medical Expense?

    What is a Qualified Medical Expense?

    If you have a Medicare Savings Account (MSA) plan, this money is intended to be used for Qualified Medical Expenses. When you spend the money on Qualified Medical Expenses, it is not taxed; however, it is taxed if you spend it on anything else.

    All qualified medical expenses are tax deductible, but they are not all eligible to count toward your deductible. This is important to consider, as you need to meet your deductible before your plan starts to cover expenses. If you use your MSA to cover the costs, not counting towards your deductible, you may pay more out of pocket overall.

    Examples of expenses that count toward your deductible

    • Hospital stays
    • Provider visits
    • Durable medical equipment (DME)
    • Home health care
    • Skilled nursing care

    Note: follow your plan’s coverage rules to ensure these expenses count towards your deductible

    Examples of expenses that do not count toward your deductible

    • Dental care
    • Vision care
    • Prescription drug premiums
    • Prescription drug deductibles
    • Prescription drug copays
    • Prescription drug coinsurance

    Can I use my MSA account for other expenses?

    You can use the money in your MSA account for non-medical expenses, but it is essential to know that it becomes taxable income. Keep this in mind when using the MSA money to cover rent, bills, groceries, etc., and ensure you have planned appropriately.

  • What is the Medicare Donut Hole?

    What is the Medicare Donut Hole?

    What is the Medicare Part D Donut Hole?

    The term “donut hole” often refers to the coverage gap within Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans. If you’re new to Medicare, you might not be familiar with this term.

    The donut hole, in short, refers to where a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan reaches its limit on what it covers for prescription drugs. In a calendar year, you reach this coverage gap once your Medicare Part D plan has spent a certain amount on prescription drugs. In 2023, this amount will be $4,660.

    Not everyone enters the donut hole, and beneficiaries with Extra Help will never enter the donut hole.

    What will happen if I reach the “donut hole?”

    Once you have reached the “donut hole” coverage gap, your out-of-pocket costs for brand name and generic drugs covered in your Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan will change. Details of those changes are listed below:

    • For Generic Prescription Drugs
      • You will pay 25% of the price; Medicare will pay 75%
      • Only the costs you pay count to get you out of the “donut hole.”
    • For Brand-Name Prescription Drugs
      • You will pay at most 25% of the cost of the drug and 25% of the dispensing fee.
      • If you buy your prescriptions via pharmacy or mail, you will pay a discounted price
      • Both what you pay and what the drug manufacturer pays (95%) count towards getting you out of the donut hole.

    Note: Depending on your plan, you may have coverage in the “donut hole.” If so, you will get a discount once your coverage has been applied to the prescription drug’s price.

    Will the “donut hole” go away?

    Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans have fourth payment stages, and the “donut hole” is the third. You move through the four stages based on how much you, your plan, and anyone on your behalf have paid for your prescription drugs throughout the year.

    How do I leave the “donut hole?”

    Your out-of-pocket costs must reach $6,550 to leave the “donut hole.” After the “donut hole,” you enter the fourth stage – catastrophic coverage. In this stage, your Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan covers the majority of the cost of your drugs. You will remain in this stage for the rest of the year.

    Costs that count towards the dollar limits include:

    • Copays and coinsurance
    • Your deductible
    • What your plan pays during the initial coverage stage
    • Manufacturers’ discounts provided in the coverage gap stage
    • Amounts paid on your behalf, such as those through a financial assistance program – at any stage

    Coverage Gap Tips

    It is best to avoid entering the “donut hole” if possible. However, for those who do, navigating it wisely can help a beneficiary get the most from a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan. Here are some tips to help you mitigate prescription drug costs, even if you never enter the “donut hole.”

    Tip 1: Estimate your annual prescription drug costs ahead of time. This can help you plan and prepare to pay for your prescription drugs if you are likely to enter the “donut hole.”

    Tip 2: Discuss lower-cost drug alternatives with your providers and pharmacists.

    Tip 3: Look for options where you may be able to get your prescription drugs for discounted costs.

    Tip 4: When possible, opt for generic drugs instead of brand-name.

    Tip 5: Make sure you are using an in-network pharmacy.

    Understanding the coverage stages of Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans can make everything seem less overwhelming. If you have questions or want a no-cost, no-obligation coverage review, reach out to Seniorstar Insurance Group today!

  • Does Medicare cover Dental Implants?

    Does Medicare cover Dental Implants?

    Does Medicare cover Dental Implants?

    Dental implants are devices implanted into the gums that help restore a person’s ability to chew or restore a smile or appearance. They can also be used as an alternative to dentures. These are great solutions for lost teeth from injury or periodontal disease.

    Without coverage, these implants can cost as much as $25,000 out of pocket, depending on your needs.

    For many people, dental problems can become more common with age and can profoundly impact their health. This may leave you wondering if Medicare covers dental implants. Although dental implants are not covered by Original Medicare [SH1] (as is the case with most dental care under Original Medicare), that does not mean that you do not have options to find the coverage you need.

    How Can I Get Coverage for Dental Implants?

    Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans

    If you are looking for comprehensive coverage that will help you get coverage for dental implants, one option is to look at Medicare Advantage (Part C) [SH2] plans. Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include dental coverage that covers dental implants. Be sure you fully understand your plan’s coverage when you enroll, as some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans only include routine dental services. Also, it is essential to note most of these plans also have a maximum dental benefit. This means that after you reach the limits of the maximum dental benefit, you will be responsible for 100% of any additional costs. When choosing a Medicare Advantage plan, these things are essential to consider, especially if you know you will need dental work.

    Standalone Dental Plans

    If you prefer to stay enrolled in Original Medicare, you are not out of luck – you can always enroll in a standalone dental insurance plan. If you are not concerned about the cost of another premium, you can always add a separate dental insurance plan. These plans are through private insurance companies, or carriers, and provide similar dental coverage you may have had through an employer. These plans typically come with coinsurances, deductibles, and annual maximums.

    Working with a licensed insurance agent can help you decide what coverage makes sense for you. At Seniorstar Insurance Group, we can help you sift through and evaluate the options that meet your needs and fit your budget. Call 844-779-5010 today to get a no-cost, no-obligation coverage evaluation.

  • Does Medicare Provide Dental Coverage?

    Does Medicare Provide Dental Coverage?

    Does Medicare Provide Dental Coverage?

    Dental health is an essential aspect of one’s overall health. Poor dental health can become very costly without proper insurance coverage, making it hard for many to get the care they need. Uncared for dental issues can even create new health problems in other parts of the body.

    If you’re new to Medicare, you may have some questions when it comes to Medicare and dental coverage. This is important to consider when you are evaluating your Medicare options as well. In short, Original Medicare does not provide dental coverage, but that does not mean you do not have options.

    Does Original Medicare Provide Dental Coverage?

    Original Medicare Part A and Part B do not cover dental care. The only exception in which Original Medicare will cover dental care is if you have a traumatic injury affecting your jaw, mouth, or teeth and are hospitalized. Only then might Original Medicare cover some dental care.

    Will Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans Cover Dental Care?

    There are some Medicare Advantage plans that include dental coverage. Each plan can be different in the services and care they provide; however, this dental coverage typically includes extractions, fillings, teeth cleaning, and routine X-rays. Medicare Advantage plans are also similar to traditional health plans regarding cost and coverage. This means they can include coinsurance, copays, and deductibles for dental just as it does medical, prescription, etc.

    Are there any Medicare Supplement plans that cover Dental Care?

    Medicare Supplements (Medigap) do not cover dental care; however, they can offer help with out-of-pocket costs, which can be used to help lessen the cost of an out-of-pocket dentist bill.

    How Can I Get Dental Coverage Without Changing my Medicare Coverage?

    Even if you are enrolled in Medicare coverage that meets all your needs except dental – don’t worry. You have options!

    In this case, you can purchase a separate dental insurance plan from a private insurance company. These plans can offer basic preventive care or a more premium plan for more coverage, with a higher premium. These options will be similar to those you may have seen if you ever chose dental coverage through an employer-sponsored plan.

    If you are not interested in enrolling in another line of coverage, walk-in dental clinics or local dental schools may provide free or low-cost care. These are good for beneficiaries paying out-of-pocket for care because the prices are more affordable. Your local Health Department can help lead you to walk-in clinics near you or other resources offering affordable dental care.

  • What Does Original Medicare Cost in 2023?

    What Does Original Medicare Cost in 2023?

    2023 Medicare Part A and B Deductibles, Premiums, and Medicare Part D Income-Related Monthly Adjustments Amounts

    In late 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) delivered the dollar amounts for the 2023 Original Medicare Part A & Part B co-insurance, premiums, and deductibles. This article will give you what you need to know about these amounts, how these amounts are calculated, and how these amounts affect Medicare beneficiaries.

    Medicare Part B: Premium and Deductible Information and Amounts

    Original Medicare Part B is the part of Medicare that covers outpatient hospital services, physician services, some home health services, medical equipment, and other services not covered by Medicare Part A. The prices of the deductibles, coinsurance rates, and premiums for Medicare Part B are settled by the Social Security Act. For 2023, the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees is $164.90. All Medicare Part B beneficiaries will also pay $226 for 2023’s annual deductible. These costs are lower than in 2022, primarily because of a larger reserve in the Medicare Part B sliver of the Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. There is also a small stipulation for Medicare enrollees that are 36 months post kidney transplant, making them no longer eligible for full Medicare coverage. Starting this year, they can pay a premium of $97.10 for coverage of immunosuppressive drugs.

    Medicare Part B: Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts

    The Medicare Part B monthly premium each beneficiary pays is based on their income. The standard price of $164.90 for 2023 is the price most beneficiaries will pay. Depending on their adjusted gross income, the premium may increase as shown in the chart below.

    Medicare Part B Premium Chart

    The same levels of adjusted gross income affect the premium the 36-month-out kidney transplant beneficiaries pay for their immunosuppressive drug coverage. The amounts are shown in the chart below.

    How you file your yearly tax returns can affect these prices as well. Below are two charts respectively showing the two different Medicare Part B premiums discussed above for married beneficiaries who lived with their spouse for any period during the last year but filed a separate tax return.

    Medicare Part A Deductibles and Premiums

    Original Medicare Part A is the part of Medicare that covers skilled nursing facilities, inpatient hospital stays, hospice, inpatient rehabilitation, and several home healthcare services. Beneficiaries with at least 40 quarters of Medicare-covered employment don’t have to pay an Original Medicare Part A premium which amounts to around 99% of all beneficiaries.

    In 2023, the inpatient hospital deductible that Original Medicare Part A beneficiaries will pay if admitted will be $1,600. This deductible covers the beneficiary’s costs for the first 60 days of inpatient hospital care in a benefit period. If any more inpatient hospitalization is necessary in a benefit period, the beneficiary is required to pay a coinsurance amount per day. For days 61-90, the beneficiary will pay a coinsurance amount of $400 per day. If the beneficiary uses any of their lifetime reserve days, they will pay $800 daily. In skilled nursing facilities, days 21-100 of extended care services in a benefit period will require beneficiaries to pay a $200 daily co-insurance.

    A monthly premium for Original Medicare Part A is required to enroll in Original Medicare Part A under certain circumstances voluntarily. These circumstances include being age 65 and over and having fewer than 40 quarters of coverage, and certain people with disabilities. If an individual had fewer than 30 quarters of coverage or was married to someone with at least 30 quarters of coverage, they may buy into Medicare Part at a discounted monthly premium rate. This discounted rate in 2023 is $278 per month. Some uninsured aged persons who have less than 30 quarters of coverage will pay the entire premium, which is $506 a month in 2023. If certain individuals with disabilities have drained other entitlement, they will also pay this premium for Medicare Part A.

    Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts

    Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan premiums depend vary based on the individual plan, but there are income-based adjustments for beneficiaries with a higher income. The income-related monthly adjustment amounts can follow these same payment routes. These amounts are as follows:

    Again, just like Original Medicare Part B, tax returns affect these amounts. Individuals who are married and lived with their spouse for any period of the taxable year but file a separate return will pay different amounts, which are listed below:

    Medicare Savings Programs

    These deductibles and premiums can add up for extensive hospitalization, specialized care, nursing facilities, etc. For low-income beneficiaries or those on a fixed income, this can be extremely frustrating and difficult to handle financially. However, there is help in the way of the Medicare Savings Programs for some of these individuals. These programs can help reduce the costs of the high-quality care a beneficiary may need. They help pay Medicare premiums and possibly cover co-insurance, deductibles, and co-payments for those who meet eligibility.

    For any additional information on Original Medicare Part A & Part B or Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan premiums, co-insurance, co-payments, deductibles, or Medicare Savings Programs, contact Seniorstar Insurance Group at 844.779.5010.

    Medicare Savings Programs List

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  • Does My Doctor Accept Medicare?

    Does My Doctor Accept Medicare?

    Does My Doctor Accept Medicare?

    When you are enrolling in Medicare for the first time or changing your Medicare coverage, it is advisable to check and ensure that any providers you wish to continue seeing will still be covered. How do you find out if your doctor accepts your Medicare coverage? The answer is quite simple. However, it does depend on the type of Medicare coverage you are enrolled in.

    Are you enrolled in Original Medicare (with or without a Medicare Supplement)? If so, you will need to find out if your provider takes Original Medicare. Your Medicare Supplement will also cover any provider who takes Medicare. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you will need to find out which providers are in your plan’s specific network.

    How Do I Know if My Doctor Accepts Original Medicare?

    Finding out if a doctor or provider takes Original Medicare is simple. You can visit medicare.gov and use their easy-to-use, free tool to find and compare providers and facilities that accept Original Medicare.

    Along with finding providers, you can also use this tool to compare providers and facilities with information including:

    • Cost estimates for doctors
    • Dialysis facilities and hospitals in your area
    • Contact information for local inpatient rehabilitation centers
    • Quality ratings for home health agencies and nursing homes

    You can also easily create a list of your favorite providers with this tool once you are logged in to Medicare.gov.

     How Do I Know if My Doctor Accepts My Medicare Advantage Plan?

    All Medicare Advantage plans, whether HMO, PPO, or SNP, will have a provider network. This process may be familiar to you if you have ever had job-based coverage through a spouse, parent, or partner.

    To find out which providers are in your plan’s network, you can go to your Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan’s website or contact your provider to request a provider directory. For some plans, you may need a referral from your primary care provider in order to have care from a specialist or specific hospital. It’s important to know that with some plans, choosing your primary care provider can also mean you are choosing a network of hospitals and specialists associated with them. These are all things to keep in mind when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan.

    At any time during the year, Medicare Advantage plans can add or remove providers from their network.

    If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the team at Seniorstar Insurance Group at 732 658 5100.

  • Is a Medigap Plan Right For You?

    Is a Medigap Plan Right For You?

    You’ve decided that you want to go into a Medigap plan, also known as Medicare supplement, and you’re concerned the preexisting conditions affect your coverage. Do they affect your costs? Well, it depends. It depends on whether you’re already in a Medigap plan, whether you have a Medicare Advantage plan and for how long, whether you’re coming into Medicare for the first time and you’re in your open enrollment period. I’ll give you a quick explanation. This is Jamie Sholom with Seniorstar Insurance Group. Welcome to the Seniorstar Minute.

    When you’re enrolling in Medicare for the first time, when you’re turning 65, there will be no preexisting conditions that anybody can pay attention to, no matter what kind of Medicare plan you want to go into if you want to go into a supplement plan at that point. You can do it with any company or any plan that provides those policies in your area. Now, if you’re coming off of existing Medicare insurance, whether that be a different supplement plan, maybe you’re looking to lower your rate.

    Maybe you’re looking to switch plans or companies. Or if you’re coming off a Medicare Advantage plan and you want to opt out of that. You may have to answer health questions now, these insurance companies can deny you coverage if you have certain criteria met, certain chronic conditions, certain combinations of conditions. If you’re on certain medications, they can say no, which will make your ability to lower your costs or save money much more difficult. Now, there are other situations where they would where insurance companies with Medigap plans would have to give you what’s called a guarantee issue, meaning they can ask your health questions, but under limited circumstances.

    And you would have a limited option in terms of what type of Medigap plan and which company to go into. If you need any more information or if you have any questions about your specific situation, please give me a call. My phone number, my website there on the screen. It’s been a pleasure to talk to you. Hope to hear from you soon.

  • Medicare Myths You Must Know…

    Medicare Myths You Must Know…

    Hi everyone,

    Time and again, I’m on the phone with a client of mine answering questions like “Am I automatically enrolled in Medicare when I turn 65?” or “Can I get a Medigap plan at anytime?”.

    Let’s clear things up. Check out the most wide-spread Medicare Myths below.

    Myth: All Medicare Options are Provided by the Government 
    No. Medicare is a federal health insurance program, and you can get original (aka, Traditional) Medicare, Parts A and B from the government, but that doesn’t cover all of your medical costs. You can also buy your own Medicare plan from a private company to supplement or replace original Medicare. In either case, most people start the enrollment process when Social Security kicks in.

    Myth: The Government Pays for Medicare 
    Not really. Most people will be eligible for Part A (hospital coverage) without incurring a monthly premium, but Part B (outpatient coverage), has one. The amount of the Part B premium can vary depending on income level and it will be deducted from your Social Security check if you receive one. If you’re not on Social Security, you will receive a bill.

    Myth: You’re Enrolled Automatically at 65 
    Not always true. Being eligible for Medicare upon turning 65 does not mean you are automatically enrolled.  The automatic enrollment into Medicare only happens if you have Social Security when you turn 65. If not, you have to enroll through the Social Security Administration.

    Myth: You Can’t Apply Until Your 65th Birthday 
    Incorrect. When you age into Medicare, your initial enrollment period includes a seven-month period that includes the three months before your 65th birthday, the month of your 65th birthday, and three months after your 65th birthday. If you enroll in the months before you turn 65, your coverage will begin the first day of the month you turn 65.

    Myth: You Have to Be 65 Years Old to Receive Medicare 
    Not completely true. Some people under 65 who have certain disabilities and who have been eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance for at least 24 months as well as with permanent kidney failure, also qualify for Medicare benefits.

    Myth: You Have to Wait Until You Retire 
    False. If you are still working past age 65, it may be beneficial and, in some cases, even required to sign up for Medicare. Even if you will be keeping your employer coverage until you retire, getting Medicare part A makes sense for additional hospital coverage. The decision to enroll in part B as well, depends on the size of your employer and whether you feel that your options in Medicare are better and less costly than your existing employer coverage.

    Myth: Medicare Insurance Pays for Every Medical Cost 
    Not even close. Medical services are subject to copayments, coinsurance and/or deductibles, and original Medicare does not cover vision, dental, or hearing services.  Original Medicare also does not have maximum out of pocket limit protection on potential costs, nor does it cover prescription medications. For that reason, it makes sense to consider either a Medigap plan with a stand-alone drug plan or a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan, in order to limit your risk and to maximize your coverage.

    Myth: You Don’t Need Drug Coverage 
    False. Even if you are not taking any prescription medications you should seriously consider enrolling in a Medicare prescription drug plan if you do not have a creditable drug plan already in place. Drug plans are not covered by original Medicare so you can either enroll in a stand-alone, (Part D) drug plan or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage. If you are not enrolled in a Medicare prescription plan of one kind or another, when you are eligible to be on Medicare, without other creditable drug coverage, you will be charged a penalty. That penalty triggers when you do finally enroll in a Medicare drug plan, and it will grow bigger over the period of time you were eligible for it but did not enroll. What’s worse is that it will never go away. This is a permanent penalty that will last as long as you stay on a Medicare Part D prescription plan.

    Myth: You Can Get a Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap) Anytime 
    Sort of true but with a BIG stipulation. Enrollment in Medigap plans is not limited enrollment periods such as the AEP so you can apply at any time throughout the year, but you run the risk of being denied coverage. Medigap carriers can ask medical questions when you are not in your initial enrollment period and they will take into effect any pre-existing medical conditions you have, in deciding whether to approve coverage. For this reason, the best time to enroll in a Medicare supplement plan is during your initial enrollment period (IEP), that runs three months before, the month of, and three months after your eligibility (often your 65th birthday).  During that window you will get the best rate possible, and they cannot ask any health questions or take preexisting conditions into consideration. That does not mean you can’t get a Medigap plan outside of your IEP if your health allows for it. Many people regularly shop for a better rate in Medigap plans and they switch when and if they can.

    Myth: You Are Allowed to Be Under Your Spouses Medicare Plan, Just Like an Employer Plan 
    Nope. Medicare is individual and if one partner loses health coverage because a spouse moves to Medicare from an employer plan, then that individual needs to secure their own coverage. Sometimes that may mean enrolling in their Medicare plan depending on age and eligibility and sometimes it requires another option altogether.

    Myth: Preexisting Conditions Always Disqualify You From Medicare Plans 
    Mostly no. Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans do not restrict coverage for preexisting conditions and Medigap carriers cannot deny you coverage during your initial enrollment period, (IEP). However, if you want to enroll in a Medigap plan outside of your IEP, you will have to answer medical questions and may be denied coverage.  If the Medigap carrier deems that your preexisting conditions will be too costly for them, they can either deny you coverage or charge you much higher rates.
    Myth: You Only Get One Chance to Pick a Medicare Plan
    Completely false. You can switch amongst or switch to a Medicare Advantage plan every year from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, which is called the annual enrollment period, AEP.  In addition, if you are already in a Medicare Advantage plan and you didn’t switch during the AEP for any reason, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage or drop your plan and go to original Medicare or a Medigap plan, from Jan. 1 to March 31 every year. Moreover, you can apply for a Medigap plan at any point throughout the year but your acceptance may be dependent on your health.

    Myth: You Don’t Qualify for Medicare If You Didn’t Work 
    That depends. If either you or your spouse paid federal payroll taxes for a minimum of 40 quarters (10 years), you are eligible for Part A with no monthly premium which means you can also enroll in Part B and the other coverage options. If you and/or your spouse paid federal payroll taxes for LESS THAN 40 quarters, are over age 65, and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, you may be able to enroll in Medicare by paying a premium for part A.

    Myth: Dental and/or Vision and/or Hearing (DVH) is Covered by Medicare 
    It’s all in the wording. Original Medicare (parts A and B) doesn’t cover DVH. That said, many Medicare Advantage plans provide this coverage at no additional cost and if you have original Medicare with a Medigap plan, you can always secure a stand-alone DVH plan with a private carrier to help complete your coverage package.

    Myth: I Will Have to Deal with a Provider Network 
    Not always. Medicare supplement plans are secondary to original Medicare and having original Medicare as your primary insurance means that you can see ANY Medicare provider in the entire country. It’s not going out on a limb to say that most medical providers and facilities in the US take Medicare. Moreover, Medicare providers cannot refuse to accept your Medigap plan as your secondary insurance, no matter who the carrier is, even if they have never heard of the company or don’t take them in a network capacity.  On the other hand, most Medicare Advantage plans are HMO’s or PPO’s and/or will otherwise require some adherence to local, regional, or national provider networks.