News Release: 10/9/2025

With Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (or AEP) just around the corner, it’s a great time to learn the basics of Medicare. Shopping for a Medicare plan starts with understanding the four types of Medicare plans, how they’re different from each other, and what benefits come with each.

Get ready for Medicare
Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period starts October 15
With Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (or AEP) just around the corner, it’s a great time to learn the basics of Medicare. Shopping for a Medicare plan starts with understanding the four types of Medicare plans, how they’re different from each other, and what benefits come with each.
Already enrolled in a Medicare plan? If so, now is the time to think about your options. Last month, members should’ve received their Annual Notice of Changes letter, which spells out how your current plan is changing for next year.
“As we approach the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, if you’re eligible for Medicare it is essential to take the time to understand your options and make informed decisions about your health care coverage,” said Alisha Pieraccini, senior vice president, Florida Blue Medicare. “At Florida Blue Medicare, we're committed to helping Medicare beneficiaries navigate the complexities of Medicare and find a plan that fits their unique needs and budget.”
Here’s what you need to know about Original Medicare (sometimes called Traditional Medicare), Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage — and what questions to ask to find the best fit for you.
Original Medicare

• What is it? Original Medicare is what most people think of when they hear the word “Medicare.” Original Medicare is the federal government’s fee-for-service health plan for adults over 65 and those under 65 who have certain disabilities.
• What does it cover? Original Medicare includes two parts: Part A covers care you get in a hospital, while Part B covers care you get at a doctor’s office.
• What does it cost? Part A coverage is no cost for most people, but everyone on Medicare pays a monthly premium for Part B. Typically, your Part B premium comes out of your Social Security check. You’ll also pay deductibles before Medicare pays its share of your health care costs. Typically, Medicare pays about 80 percent of your health costs, while you pay 20 percent.
• Where can I use it? You can use Original Medicare anywhere in the U.S. that accepts Medicare.

Medicare Supplement

• What is it? People using Original Medicare sometimes buy Medicare Supplement policies. Medicare Supplement policies help cover the costs Original Medicare does not pay.
• What does it cover? Medicare Supplement policies exist solely to help people pay costs not covered by Medicare Parts A and B.
• What does it cost? It depends on what kind of Medicare Supplement policy you choose.
• Where can I use it? Typically, you can use your Medicare Supplement policy anywhere Medicare is accepted.

Medicare Advantage

• What is it? Medicare Advantage plans are sold by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare. These plans typically bundle the coverage you get with Medicare Parts A and B with extra benefits, like dental and hearing.
• What does it cover? Medicare Advantage plans offer the same coverage as Medicare Parts A and B, as well as some additional benefits, which vary depending on which plan you buy. Many Medicare Advantage plans also include hearing, dental, and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
• What does it cost? It depends on what plan you buy. Many Medicare Advantage plans don’t have a monthly premium. Although you still have to pay your Medicare Part B premium, no matter what plan you get. Also, Medicare Advantage plans often include what’s called an out-of-pocket maximum, which limits how much you will spend out of pocket each year on your health care.
• Where can I use it? Most Medicare Advantage plans have networks of doctors, health care facilities and hospitals you’ll use as part of your plan.
  • A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan typically allows you to see the doctors you want without a referral and to use your plan when you are traveling.
  • Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans require you to get a referral from your primary care doctor before you see other doctors and may have a more restricted network of doctors.

Medicare Part D

• What is it? Medicare Part D helps cover the cost of your prescription medications.
• What does it cover? Part D plans cover prescription drugs. You can get a standalone Part D plan, to pair with Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement plans. Or you can get Part D coverage as part of a Medicare Advantage plan.
• What does it cost? It depends on what kind of plan you choose. Many Medicare Advantage plans include Part D coverage at no extra cost.
• Where can I use it? At pharmacies in your plan’s network.

Now that you know more about the different plan types, ask these questions when you’re shopping for a Medicare plan:

• How much will I pay? Add up costs, like your premium, deductible, copays, and coinsurance.

• Are there extra benefits like dental and hearing?
• Is my doctor in the plan’s network?
• Will a primary care doctor coordinate my care with this plan?
• Does the plan cover my prescription drugs?
• Can I travel with this plan?
• Are doctors in the plan’s network located near my home?

Have questions or want help? It’s good to talk with a licensed agent to find about the options that might be a good fit your you. Or visit a Florida Blue Center in your area. You can also visit FloridaBlue.com/Medicare.