Types of Medicare Plans

Original Medicare:
Sometimes referred to as “Medicare only” this includes Medicare Parts A and B only. Original Medicare is the traditional plan available from the federal government. In this type of plan, Part D (Medicare prescription drug coverage) is optional, you cannot purchase it from the government. You must purchase Part D from a private insurance company.

Medicare Advantage plans (MA-only plans):
These plans normally offer more benefits than Original Medicare alone and provide your Parts A and B coverage. These plans do not include Part D (Medicare prescription drug coverage).

Part D-only plans:
Prescription drug plans or PDPs these plans offer Medicare prescription drug coverage only and do not include healthcare coverage. The costs and drug formularies can vary from plan to plan. It’s important to carefully consider how your other healthcare needs will be met if this option is chosen.

Medicare Advantage plans with Medicare prescription drug coverage:
Also known as MAPDs. These plans offer all the benefits of Original Medicare plus additional benefits over what Original Medicare alone covers. An MAPD includes Part D and must include benefits which are at least as good as the federal government's standard benefit design.

More details about Original Medicare and the government’s standard benefit design for Part D is available on medicare.gov.

Several insurance companies offer a variety of these plans including Hill Physicians Medicare HMO Partners.

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