If You Join ...

If you have a Medicare Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) Plans that doesn't offer Medicare prescription drug coverage, or if you have a Medicare Medical Savings Account, you can also join a stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (see What is Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage). you may be able to get extra benefits offered by the plan, such as coverage for vision, hearing, dental, and/or health and wellness programs. you still pay the Part B Premium . You also pay the Medicare Advantage Plan's premium that includes coverage for Part A and Part B benefits, prescription drug coverage (Part D if offered), and any other extra benefits (if offered). you usually will have to pay some other costs (such as Copayments or Coinsurance ) for the services you get. Out-of-pocket costs in these plans are generally lower than in the Original Medicare Plan, but vary by the services you use. you don't need to buy a Medigap Policy (Medicare Supplement Insurance). in some cases, your costs could be higher than the Original Medicare Plan, like if you see a doctor that doesn't belong to the plan. every year in the fall, the plan will send you information about any changes in benefits, costs, or service areas. If your former employer or union pays for your Medicare Advantage Plan, see Employer or Union Health Coverage. (Primary Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services - Medicare and You Handbook 2007. This content may have been added upon by Q1Group LLC to include further examples, explanations, and links.)