Understand Your Current Original Medicare‡ Coverage
While Original Medicare‡ covers a lot of your basic health needs, it doesn't include prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing, or extras like fitness memberships. That’s why more than 74 percent of people who have Original Medicare‡ opt for additional coverage.1
A Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan from Anthem can help you cover those additional needs not met by Original Medicare.‡
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Medicare Basics
Understanding the different parts of Medicare and how they work together.
Medicare and Medicaid
Learn how Medicare and Medicaid work together in a Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP).
Selecting a Plan
Figure out which Medicare plan is right for you by considering costs, network, and benefits.
Compare Original Medicare with Medicare Advantage
If you have Original Medicare,‡ you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan. Here’s a comparison of key benefits.
|
Original Medicare‡ (Parts A And B) |
Medicare Advantage (Part C) |
|---|---|
|
Inpatient (Part A) and outpatient (Part B) coverage |
Most plans include Part D prescription drug coverage. Plans also include dental, vision, and hearing coverage. |
|
Part A $0 Monthly Premium
Part B $185.00 Monthly Premium2 |
$0 - $76 |
|
20% Copays For outpatient care can add up |
Copays for services; could add up with more costly or frequent care |
|
No network – visit any provider that accepts Medicare patients |
Broad network of doctors and hospitals2 |
|
No referrals |
May need referrals |
|
|
Original Medicare‡ (Parts A And B) |
|---|
|
Inpatient (Part A) and outpatient (Part B) coverage |
|
Part A $0 Monthly Premium
Part B $185.00 Monthly Premium2 |
|
20% Copays For outpatient care can add up |
|
No network – visit any provider that accepts Medicare patients |
|
No referrals |
|
|
Medicare Advantage (Part C) |
|---|
|
Most plans include Part D prescription drug coverage. Plans also include dental, vision, and hearing coverage. |
|
$0 - $76 |
|
Copays for services; could add up with more costly or frequent care |
|
Broad network of doctors and hospitals2 |
|
May need referrals |
Once you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must continue to pay your Original Medicare‡ Part A and Part B monthly premiums.
Find Additional Medicare Advantage Coverage That’s Right For You
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
All-In-One Plans
Medicare Advantage plans, or Medicare Part C, are all-in-one plans that include everything Original Medicare‡ covers – and much more.
Low Monthly Premiums Plus Benefits
Many Medicare Advantage plans have $0 monthly premiums, although some plans may have higher premiums. These plans may include additional benefits like these:
- Prescription Drug (Part D) coverage
- Dental, vision, and hearing coverage
- Meal deliveries after a hospital stay
- SilverSneakers® fitness memberships
- Health-related transportation
- Allowances for over-the-counter health items, groceries3, utilities3, and more (benefits may vary based on plans, locations, and individual conditions)
- Convenient prepaid benefits card
When To Enroll
You can enroll in, add, change, or drop your Medicare Advantage plan during these periods:
Enroll: Initial Enrollment Period, which starts three months before your 65th birthday month and ends three months after it
Add Or Change: Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 to December 7
Add, Drop, Or Change: Special Enrollment Period, based on certain life changes, like moving to a new area.
Check Your Doctors And Prescriptions
When you’re ready to start shopping, check to see if your providers participate in Medicare and are in our Medicare Advantage network. Also, compare prescription drug costs before selecting a plan.
Learn Medicare Basics
Medicare doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Boost your knowledge and confidence by reading our in-depth articles.
Frequently Asked Questions For Those With Original Medicare‡ Only
Ready To Shop?
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‡ Original Medicare: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance)
1 Medicare Monthly Enrollment | CMS Data
2 Out-of-network/non-contracted providers are under no obligation to treat Plan members, except in emergency situations. Please call our customer service number or see your Evidence of Coverage for more information, including the cost-sharing that applies to out-of-network services.
3 Members may receive a monthly or quarterly allowance in the form of a benefits prepaid card to pay for a wide range of approved groceries and utilities. Unused amounts will expire at the end of the month or quarter. Benefits vary by plan.
The SilverSneakers fitness program is provided by Tivity Health, an independent company. Please talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program. SilverSneakers, the SilverSneakers shoe logo type and SilverSneakers Flex are registered trademarks of Tivity Health, Inc. © 2025 Tivity Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
The Benefits Mastercard® Prepaid Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. This is a benefits card that can only be used at certain Mastercard merchants participating in this program and will be authorized for qualified purchases as set forth in your Terms and Conditions. Valid only in the U.S. No cash access. Other languages are available upon request.
Anthem, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare Contract, offers HMO, HMO D-SNP, and LPPO plans. Anthem HMO D-SNP plans additionally contract with state Medicaid programs. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Retiree Solutions, a Medicare Organization with a Medicare Contract in New York, offers LPPO plans. Anthem Blue Cross Retiree Solutions, a Medicare Organization with a Medicare Contract in New York, offers LPPO plans. Enrollment in Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Retiree Solutions, and Anthem Blue Cross Retiree Solutions plans depend on contract renewal.