Hi jinga,

I hate to use the word "replace" but that is the best way to describe an advantage plan.

You present your Advantage card, not your Medicare card when you see a doc, fill scripts, have diagnostic tests, etc. They are usually like an HMO. You can shop around for them as they vary with the amount of co-pays. Some have a $5 or $15 co-pay to see a primary care doctor, and a slightly higher amount for a specialist. Many include drug coverage which is either a percentage or a tiered co-pay.

You can go to Medicare website, and search ALL advantage plans offered in your area. You put in your zip code and get a list of ALL the plans for your locality and you can compare them.

Advantage plans have a contract with Medicare and must cover all the things offered by Medicare but they also have added benefits. These plans must be approved by Medicare each year. There are time limits as to when you can enroll after first becoming eligible for Medicare so be careful that you act promptly. Otherwise, you will have to stay with original Medicare until the next open enrollment.

My area had many different plans from which to choose so I printed out some comparisons and spent some time reviewing them. Depending on your area, some are FREE as long as SSA is taking the Medicare premium for Part B out of your check. Others have an additional charge but it is low.

I could have chosen a FREE HMO type advantage plan but it had a more limited network and some of my docs were not on it. Because I wanted to keep my docs, (all 8 of them), I chose an advantage (PPO type) plan that costs me $44 per month. It also had better drug coverage.

If you like and want to keep your docs, be sure they are in the network for any advantage plan you pick.

A benefit of original Medicare is not having a network.

It is a big decision but one that you can change each calendar year.