Medicare health plans provide different ways to get your health care coverage in the Medicare program. The Medicare health plan that you choose affects many things like cost, benefits, doctor choice, convenience, and quality.

Medicare Advantage Plans – These plans, which include HMOs, PPOs, and PFFS plans, may cover more services and have lower out-of-pocket costs than the original Medicare. However, in some plans, like HMOs, you may only be able to see certain doctors or go to certain hospitals.

Medicare Drug Plans Part D – Prescription Drug coverage begins January 1st, 2006. You get prescription drug coverage no matter how you get you medical health coverage

The Original Medicare Plan – This is a fee-for-service plan that covers many health services and certain drugs. You can go to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.

Medigap or Medicare Supplement Policy – A health insurance policy sold by private insurance companies to fill the "gaps" in the Original Medicare Plan. Medigap policies help you pay some of the health care costs that the Original Medicare Plan doesn't cover.