• Broad Coverage: Original Medicare (Parts A and B) provides broad coverage for hospital stays, doctor visits, and medical services, offering beneficiaries access to a wide range of healthcare providers nationwide. • Freedom to Choose Providers: With Original Medicare, beneficiaries have the flexibility to choose their healthcare providers, specialists, and hospitals without needing referrals, providing greater autonomy in managing their healthcare. • Predictable Costs: While Original Medicare has deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, these costs are typically more straightforward and predictable compared to Medicare Advantage plans, which may have varying copayments and coinsurance amounts. • Lack of Prescription Drug Coverage: Original Medicare does not include coverage for prescription drugs (Part D), so beneficiaries must purchase a standalone Part D plan to obtain this coverage, potentially leading to higher out-of-pocket costs. • No Out-of-Pocket Maximum: Original Medicare does not have an annual out-of-pocket maximum, meaning beneficiaries could face significant costs if they require extensive medical care or services in a given year. • Need for Supplemental Coverage: Many beneficiaries choose to purchase supplemental coverage, such as a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy, to help cover out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, which can add to monthly premiums. Pros Cons 6.1 Pros and Cons of Original Medicare Chapter 6: Comparing Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage 202404PMED1MDSIMPLE 16 www.Postal-Service-Health-Benefits-Program.com
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