I assume from many articles and posts that you pick a Medicare plan from different carriers and options from PPO to HMO.
If you pick a plan other than a HMO do you have coverage over state lines?
I am not inquiring about emergency care.
I'm new to Medicare this month, happy 65th to me tomorrow. Medicare covers 80% of most medical expenses. A supplemental insurance (also known as Medigap) picks up the other 20%. If you're a snowbird you don't want the Medicare Advantage Plan, it's too restricting, requiring you to use drs in your home area. Medicare nor supplemental policies does not cover hearing aids, eye exams or glasses, or dental work. Separate policies are available for eye and dental. You will also need to purchase a policy for a drug plan (known as part D), also not covered by Medicare or the supplemental.
Welcome to the confusing world of Medicare. I went on it last year and it was difficult at best to get straight answers (and tread carefully with supplemental and advantage insurance sellers).
I chose traditional Medicare (Parts A, B & D) with a supplemental insurance policy for the part B 20% coverage (your portion that has no cap). This works well for me (eventually us) as we travel, and winter along the gulf. As long as the hospital/doctor accept Medicare, the supplemental insurance will have a difficult time not covering the 20% of your portion (given only some deductibles, as spelled out in each Medigap plan). Medicare frowns on insurers not following the rules, and supposedly has the power to pull any insurer from offering Medigap policies.
All supplemental/Medigap insurance policies are supposed to be identical "standardized" per their group (A, B, C, etc)
so the only difference is the price. The best price policies might not be offered by an insurance agent as not all insurance companies use (pay commissions) to agents. I personally found that agents I spoke to did not offer me what I needed and pushed what they made the highest commission on - Medicare Advantage was the big push).
The best current Medigap policy is "F" as it covers 100% of all part "B" Medicare (your 20% portion), and offers 80% coverage of foreign travel (up to plan limits - currently $50,000). FYI - this Medigap plan is scheduled to go away in 2020. I believe "F" is the most popular choice to date, and apprx. 80% of Medigap customers are in plan "F". You can sign up for it, but realize that after 2020 - the pool of insured will be shrinking and increases will most likely be higher for those in it or choosing it before 2020.
I would consider "G" as a suitable alternative. The deductible not covered in "G" that is covered in "F" is the part "B" Medicare deductible (currently $166.00 annually 2015). The price difference (premium costs) could make it worth your while to choose "G" over "F". "G" is not scheduled to go away...
There is also a High Deductible "F" for those willing to pay up front ($2200 for 2017) before regular "F" kicks in (and it is not going away when regular "F" does in 2020).
I didn't consider any Medicare Advantage plans per reasons stated above, and also because we currently deal with BCBS in an HMO for the wife with the ACA. Don't want any wars (in network vs. out of network and ever changing deductibles) when it comes time to utilize coverage. From what I've read and what others have said - Medicare Advanatge policies do offer extra benefits, but with caveats...
I use High Deductible "F" (cost is $32.50/mos. from Globe Life) and no Medicare part "D" due to being in the VA. VA qualifies for Medicare part "D" coverage (and I could go on part "D" in the future w/o any penalties for not sighing up at 65 because of it). Wife will be traditional Medicare (A, B, and D) with Medigap supplemental coverage "G".
You should have received a booklet from Medicare "Medicare and You 2017" if you're turning 65 soon. There is another publication they offer "Choosing a Medigap Policy:" Public library in our area offered a Medicare 101 intro, but it was run by an insurance agent... You could also contact a Senior Services Center in your area (look online) for assistance.