ABA Family Legal Guide

The Rights of Older Americans

Health and Long-Term Care Benefits

Medicare

If I am covered by Medicare, will I need any other medical coverage?

In most cases, yes. A Medicare Advantage plan may offer comprehensive coverage, including prescription drugs, but in some of these plans you will only be covered if you see certain doctors or use certain hospitals. Many people opt for coverage by Original Medicare, for which you need supplemental coverage. Supplemental coverage is also provided by a private Medigap plan (discussed below), by an employer or union plan, or by Medicaid or the Veterans Administration. These supplemental plans may or may not cover prescription drugs, so enrolling in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan is also important for most people. Finally, you may also benefit from purchasing long-term care insurance if you can afford it and qualify, since Medicare does not cover nursing home care or home care for extended periods of time.