Medicare can be a complicated system. Have you been on Medicare for some time? If it’s been a while, you may have forgotten which plan you signed up for. There are so many options, and we understand it can become a blur. Are you wondering how to find out what Medicare plan you have?
This article will help you figure out what plan you already have. We will break it down into each part of Medicare, explain briefly what it covers, and show you how you can tell if you’ve enrolled.
If you have not yet signed up for Medicare, check out this article about what you need to know about Medicare at 64.
Do I have Original Medicare?
What is Original Medicare: Original Medicare is a government-issued health insurance plan and includes Medicare Part A, hospital coverage, and Medicare Part B, medical coverage. Original Medicare does not include prescription drugs or services such as vision, dental, or hearing.
How to tell if you’re enrolled in Original Medicare: There are many ways to determine if you’re enrolled in Original Medicare (meaning Part A and B or Medicare). You can:
- Call the program at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
- Check your medicare.gov account. You will need your zip code, Medicare number, name, date of birth, and the effective date for your Medicare coverage. When you click continue, the site will show you a page that outlines your coverage.
- Check your Social Security statement and look for a Medicare Part B premium deduction.
Do I have Medicare Advantage?
What is Medicare Advantage? Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part C, is an alternative to Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage is offered through private insurance companies. It will cover everything Original Medicare covers, plus it often includes prescription drug coverage and other medical services not covered by Original Medicare.
How to tell if you’ve registered for a Medicare Advantage plan: Your Medicare card will not indicate if you’re registered for a Medicare Advantage plan. Since a private company provides your Medicare Advantage plan, you should have a card or other documents from your provider with your account information. If not, check your bank statement for charges related to “healthcare” or “insurance” charges. You can also log in to your account on Medicare’s website to see your Medicare Advantage plan information.
Do I have Medicare Part D?
What is Medicare Part D? Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage alone. If you elect to take Original Medicare or are on a plan that does not include drug coverage, you will need to enroll in a Part D plan to have your prescriptions covered.
How to tell if you’re enrolled in Medicare Part D: Your Medicare card will not indicate if you’re registered for Medicare Part D. You can log in to your Medicare account to see this information. You should also have a card or documents from the plan administrator with your plan details. Again, you can also look at your bank statements for more information about your provider.
Do I have Medicare Supplement Insurance?
What is Medicare Supplement Insurance (or Medigap)? Medicare Supplement Insurance, called Medigap, is additional insurance you can purchase from a private insurance company to supplement your Original Medicare. There are a variety of standardized Medigap plans. These plans are usually more expensive than Medicare Advantage and may require passing some health questions depending on when you enroll. However, they offer more freedom regarding travel because Medigap insurance is an extension of Medicare and will be accepted anywhere Original Medicare is. To compare Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Insurance, watch this video.
How to tell if you’ve registered for a Medicare Supplement Insurance (or Medigap) plan: Your Medicare card will not indicate if you’re registered for a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan. Since a private company provides your Medicare Advantage plan, you should have a card from your provider with your account information. Again, you can also look at your bank statements for more information about your provider and contact them directly.
We Want to Help!
The Medicare Family has over 40 years of experience with the Medicare system. We are here to guide you through your choices whether you are just turning 65 or you’ve been on Medicare for years. You don’t have to stay stuck in a plan that no longer works for you. Call us, and we will discuss your unique circumstances to help you pick the plan that gives you the coverage you need. Schedule an appointment today!
