LAS VEGAS
Medicare Plan and Coverage Options

​​LAS VEGAS MEDICARE PLAN OPTIONS
Two Main Ways to get Your Coverage
In Las Vegas, you can choose from Two Main Medicare Plan path options.

These path options are the Bill Payers in the Medicare System.  If the Federal Government Pays the majority of your bill, then  you have "Original Medicare".  On the other side if the Insurance Company is the Bill Payer then you have some type of Medicare Advantage Plan. You have one or the other. You can choose to make changes to this but only during certain times of the year. So Understanding who the Bill Payer is and when are Enrollment/Change times is Very Important in "Getting Your Medicare Right."

The Plan options are listed below and the Chart above.

With Original Medicare you can choose to add Medicare Part D and a Medicare Supplement plan.  Medicare Supplemental Plans help fill gaps in Original Medicare, providing additional coverage for copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. 
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If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan you can not add a  Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan.  A Medicare Advantage Plan is the sole bill payer and can offer all Medicare benefits  plus additional Supplemental benefits bundled with your coverage that includes Part A, Part B, and often Part D (prescription drug coverage). 

MEDICARE PLAN OPTIONS

  • How they work:
    These plans are offered by private insurance companies. The benefits are administered by the Health Plan Company and approved by Medicare. They must follow Medicare rules and offer all the coverage of Original Medicare. Plan members are still in the Medicare Program
  • Benefits:
    Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage (Part D) and may offer extra benefits like vision, dental, and hearing coverage.     ​
  • Plan types:
    Common types include Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), and Special Needs Plans (SNPs). These can be either C-SNP Plans ( Chronic Needs) or D-SNP plans (Dual Plans, Medicare and Medicaid)
  • Considerations:
    Before joining, it's crucial to check if your preferred doctors and hospitals are in the plan's network. You also need to understand the plan's premium, deductible, copay, and coinsurance. 

​2. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans:

How they work: These plans are sold by private insurance companies and help cover some of the remaining costs not covered by Original Medicare. 
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Benefits: Medigap plans can help pay for copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. 

Considerations: Nevada does not require Medigap insurers to offer coverage to people under 65.

​You should compare different Medigap plans to find one that fits your needs and budget. ​

3. ORIGINAL MEDICARE AND MEDICARE PART D

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​Original Medicare:
This is the traditional Medicare program which includes:
Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). 
Part D:
  • This is prescription drug coverage that you can choose to add to Original Medicare or some Medicare Advantage plans.​
  • ​Low-income subsidies:
  • If you have a low income and assets, you may be eligible for additional subsidies to help lower your prescription drug costs. ​
    Star ratings:
  • Medicare uses a 5-star rating system to assess the performance of Medicare Advantage and Part D plans

Factors to THINK About
  • ​Your current health status and medication needs.
  • Your preferred doctors and hospitals.
  • The plan's premium, deductible, copay, and coinsurance.
  • The plan's star rating. ​

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