Medicare in Columbus, OH, Explained in Plain Terms

Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)

Medicare Advantage bundles your coverage into one plan sold by a private carrier that Medicare has approved. It stands in for Original Medicare rather than adding onto it. Most Advantage plans include:

• Hospital and medical coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Provider networks
• Copays and out-of-pocket limits

Many plans throw in dental, vision, or hearing coverage too, though the specifics vary by carrier and plan.

Advantage tends to suit people who want a lower monthly premium, bundled extras, and coordinated care inside a network. Provider access is the catch. Networks shift year to year, so it's worth confirming your doctors are still in before you sign up.

Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap)

Medigap works alongside Original Medicare instead of replacing it. It picks up costs Medicare leaves on the table, like deductibles and coinsurance. These plans generally come with nationwide provider access, steady medical costs, no referrals, and no network to worry about.

Medigap doesn't include prescription coverage on its own. You'll pair it with a separate Part D plan for medications.

It tends to suit people who travel often, want to see any provider without checking a network first, would rather avoid surprise bills, or visit doctors frequently.