What is the most basic Medicare plan?

The basic Medicare plan is Original Medicare, a federal program with two parts: Part A (Hospital Insurance) for inpatient care and Part B (Medical Insurance) for doctor visits, outpatient care, and medical supplies. It's a fee-for-service system where you pay costs as you get care, and it doesn't cover things like routine dental, vision, hearing, or most prescriptions, leading many to add Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Supplement plans for better coverage.

Do I have to pay both Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage?

Yes, you must keep paying your Medicare Part B premium even if you join a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, because you need Part B to be eligible for Advantage plans, and the Part B premium is a baseline cost for your Medicare coverage. You'll pay your Part B premium to Medicare and potentially an additional premium for the Advantage plan itself, plus copays/deductibles for services, though many plans have $0 premiums and include drug coverage (Part D).
 

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

If you don't get premium-free Part A, you pay up to $565 each month. If you don't buy Part A when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty. Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($202.90 in 2026).

What is the basic Medicare plan?

Original Medicare includes Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). Original Medicare covers things like inpatient hospital care, doctors' services and tests, and preventive services. You pay for services and items as you get them.

What is the best choice to go with when I go on Medicare A and B and still need prescription and dental coverage?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer all the benefits of Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), with extras like dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Part A B C D Explained (and made simple!)

What are the biggest mistakes people make with Medicare?

The biggest Medicare mistakes involve missing enrollment deadlines, failing to review plans annually, underestimating total costs (premiums, deductibles, copays), not enrolling in a Part D drug plan with Original Medicare, and assuming one-size-fits-all coverage or that Medicare covers everything like long-term care. People often delay enrollment, get locked into old plans without checking for better options, or overlook financial assistance programs, leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses and penalties. 

What is the best prescription drug plan for seniors on Medicare?

There's no single "best" Medicare Part D plan; it depends on your medications and budget, but top-rated providers for low costs/premiums often include Humana, Wellcare, UnitedHealthcare (AARP), and Cigna, with Humana Value Rx and UHC's AARP plans frequently highlighted for low deductibles or $0 options for generics, while the official Medicare Plan Finder (Medicare.gov) is the essential tool for comparing plans in your specific area. Always check the plan's formulary (drug list) and pharmacy network against your needs. 

What is the most popular Medicare plan?

The most popular Medicare plan is Medigap Plan G, especially for new enrollees, because it offers comprehensive coverage similar to the discontinued Plan F, covering nearly all Original Medicare out-of-pocket costs except the Part B deductible, making it a favorite for predictable expenses. While Plan F still has many current enrollees, Plan G is the top choice for those starting Medicare, followed by Plan N for cost savings with copays. 

How do I get dental and vision coverage with Medicare?

If you have a Medicare Supplement plan, Part D plan, or both, you may want to purchase an Individual plan to cover dental and vision care. Most Anthem Medicare Advantage plans include built-in coverage for routine dental and vision care.

Do I really need supplemental insurance with Medicare?

Supplemental insurance is advisable for those with Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs and gaps in coverage, offering financial protection for deductibles, coinsurance, and other medical expenses not fully covered by Medicare.

What are the 5 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Medicare generally doesn't cover long-term care, most dental care, routine vision services (like glasses), hearing aids/fittings, and cosmetic surgery, though it does provide strong coverage for hospital and doctor services; you can often get coverage for these gaps through Medicare Advantage (Part C) or supplemental plans. 

How do I avoid paying Medicare Part B?

You can avoid the Medicare Part B premium by delaying enrollment if you have creditable employer coverage (from a current job with 20+ employees) or by qualifying for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) to have the state pay it, but generally, you must enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) or face lifelong penalties if you don't have other qualifying coverage. If you have other creditable insurance, you can delay Part B and sign up later within 8 months of that coverage ending without penalty. 

Why is my Medicare $500 a month?

Medicare Premiums Over $500

However, if you have a higher-than-average income, your Part B premiums start going up on a sliding scale. How much extra you pay is based on the income you reported to the IRS two years ago.

At what age do you stop paying Medicare premiums after?

Your CalPERS health coverage will automatically be canceled the first day of the month after you turn 65. See Cancellation of CalPERS Health Coverage for information on reinstating your health coverage.

Is it better to have straight Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan?

Neither Original Medicare nor Medicare Advantage (MA) is inherently "better"; the best choice depends on your health, budget, and lifestyle, with Original Medicare offering provider freedom and MA providing bundled benefits (dental/vision) and cost predictability via an out-of-pocket maximum, but often with network restrictions. Choose Original Medicare + Medigap for nationwide access and no networks, ideal for travelers or those wanting maximum choice, while Medicare Advantage suits those wanting all-in-one coverage (including drugs/extras like dental/vision) with lower upfront costs and a cap on yearly spending, provided they stay in-network. 

What is the best secondary insurance if you have Medicare?

Best Medicare Supplement Insurance Companies in 2026

• UnitedHealthcare / AARP – Best Plan Pairing: Plan G or Plan N.
• Cigna Healthcare – Best Plan Pairing: Plan G.
• Humana – Best Plan Pairing: Plan N.
• Aetna (CVS Health) – Best Plan Pairing: Plan N.

What is the best dental insurance for someone on Medicare?

If you're only relying on Medicare, it's a great idea to look into affordable dental plans that can help you save a lot of money.

1. Spirit Dental. ...
2. Renaissance Dental. ...
3. Denali Dental. ...
4. Magnum Dental. ...
5. PrimeStar.

How do seniors get free glasses?

How do seniors get free glasses? Seniors can check with Medicare, Medicaid, local Lions Clubs, and EyeCare America for free or discounted eyewear options.

Do you get a free pair of glasses with Medicare?

Medicare does not cover glasses or contact lenses, but you might be able to access state or territory schemes. Not all optometrists bulk bill. Check with them when you make your appointment. Read more about eye tests under Medicare.

What is the best insurance for seniors on Medicare?

The "best" Medicare insurance depends on your needs, but top options for seniors often include Medicare Advantage (Part C) for all-in-one coverage with extra perks (Humana, UHC, Aetna), or Original Medicare (A+B) with Medigap (Supplement) for flexibility and no network (AARP/UHC, Mutual of Omaha). Consider Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Anthem, and BCBS for strong provider networks, while companies like Wellcare, Cigna, and Wellabe excel in specific benefits or costs, always comparing plans on Medicare.gov for personalized fit. 

Which medicare advantage plan denies the most claims?

Centene (Wellcare) and CVS Health (Aetna) have faced scrutiny for high prior authorization denial rates in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, with reports showing they had the most denied requests in 2023, though many denials were overturned on appeal, indicating issues with their strict criteria, while UnitedHealthcare also faces lawsuits and uses technology that has led to increased denials, especially for post-acute care, highlighting systemic challenges with MA plan claim approvals. 

How do I decide which medicare plan is best for me?

What questions you need to ask when choosing a Medicare plan

1. Overall coverage cost.
2. Additional benefits, like hearing, vision and travel coverage.
3. Medicare Part D coverage for medicines.
4. Staying with your current doctor or switching providers.
5. Possible perks like gym memberships and additional services.

Is GoodRx better than Medicare Part D?

Neither GoodRx nor Medicare Part D is universally "better"; they serve different purposes, and often work best together, with Medicare providing baseline coverage and GoodRx offering significant savings on specific drugs, especially generics, or when your plan doesn't cover a medication. You use GoodRx instead of Part D for a single prescription when its price is lower than your Part D copay, but Part D is essential for overall coverage, while GoodRx helps fill gaps or reduce costs in the coverage gap (donut hole). 

Is Blue Cross or UnitedHealthcare better?

UnitedHealthcare gets slightly higher overall star ratings than BCBS and may offer lower prices, but BCBS might offer a better customer experience.

How can I lower my Medicare Part D prescription costs?

Other ways to lower your prescription drug costs:

• Join Medicare drug coverage (Part D): ...
• Ask your doctor if you can take a generic drug, or a cheaper brand-name drug (if one's available).
• Check costs for mail-order pharmacies. ...
• Learn if the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan might be able to help you manage your costs.