When signing up for a Medicare plan there are many different options and considerations. First, different types of Medicare cover different services and it is important to know what exactly you are signing up for.

Traditional Medicare

Medicare Part A – Hospital coverage

Medicare Part B – Physician and outpatient coverage

Medicare Part D – Prescription medication coverage

Medigap or Supplemental – Covers some of the gaps in Part A and Part B

Managed Care Plan

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)– This plan requires Part A and Part B but no Medigap plan is needed. Under managed care, there is a specific group of service providers that are covered. Because of this the consumer has less choices about which doctors he or she will see.

Elder Law Answers (http://www.elderlawanswers.com/know-your-options-before-signing-up-for-medicare-15259) provides links to a number of resources that will help ensure you are making an informed decision regarding Medicare Coverage.

More information about Medicare Advantage: http://www.elderlawanswers.com/medicare-advantage-an-alternative-to-original-medicare–12244

Difference between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage: http://www.medicarerights.org/fliers/Medicare-Advantage/Differences-Between-OM-and-MA.pdf?nrd=1

Choosing a Medicare drug plan: http://www.elderlawanswers.com/10-factors-to-consider-when-choosing-a-medicare-drug-plan-12183

Choosing a Medigap policy: http://www.elderlawanswers.com/how-to-choose-a-medigap-policy-7521

Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap: http://squaredawayblog.bc.edu/squared-away/medicare-primer-advantage-or-medigap/

AARP Medicare Q&A tool: http://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-qa-tool.html?intcmp=AE-HEA-MED-CHspot-TOOL-MEDIQA

Consumer Reports guide to getting the most out of medicare: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/09/managing-medicare/index.htm

What you need to know when signing up for medicare: http://www.elderlawanswers.com/turning-65-what-you-need-to-know-about-signing-up-for-medicare–8968