Can I have both Medicare and other insurance?

Yes, it is possible to have both Medicare and other insurance. In fact, many individuals opt for secondary insurance to help cover costs that Medicare does not fully address. When someone has both Medicare and additional health insurance, the two can work together to help provide more comprehensive coverage. The type of additional insurance that one might have can vary. For instance, individuals may have employer-sponsored health insurance or supplemental insurance policies known as Medigap plans. Employer-sponsored plans often serve as primary insurance for active employees, while Medicare becomes secondary. This means that the employer plan pays first, and Medicare helps cover additional costs. Medigap, on the other hand, is specifically designed to complement Original Medicare (Parts A and B). These plans can cover various out-of-pocket expenses, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. It is essential to note that Medigap plans do not work with Medicare Advantage plans. Thus, if an individual is enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, they would not need a Medigap policy. It is important for individuals to review how their Medicare coverage interacts with any additional insurance they may have, as it can vary based on the specific plans involved. For precise details about coverage coordination, one can refer to the current information available on the Medicare website or by checking with their insurance provider. Understanding how benefits work together can help ensure that one is making the most of their healthcare coverage.