Course 3: Medicare Options

In this course, you will learn how to make an informed decision about Medicare coverage, first by learning the two different ways that Medicare benefits are offered: through Original Medicare administered directly through the federal government and through Medicare Advantage Plans offered by private insurance companies that contract with the federal government. We will talk about the broad categories of care, program costs, and excluded services under Original Medicare, and then see how Medicare Advantage Plans must cover all the same services, but may do so with different costs, restrictions, and additional benefits. You will also learn about Medigap supplemental policies and public benefits available to help those with lower incomes afford care.