Medicare Plan Options
Medicare offers comprehensive health insurance coverage to people beginning at age 65 and to others who meet special eligibility criteria. As a Medicare beneficiary, you have many options regarding the future of your health insurance coverage. For information about this year's Medicare Open Enrollment, please click here.
Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage Plans
When you first become eligible for Medicare, your biggest decision is whether you will choose original (traditional) Medicare or convert to a private Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans, also referred to as “Medicare Replacement” plans, replace traditional Medicare and supplemental plans. While original Medicare and traditional supplements are widely accepted by most care providers, Medicare Advantage plans may not be accepted by all providers or may have benefit limitations or exclusions that could increase your out-of- pocket expenses..
It is important to review the terms and conditions of each policy to ensure you select the plan that best meets your health care needs. If you realize you made a mistake, you may have an opportunity to switch back to traditional Medicare between Jan. 1 and Feb. 14. Others may have to wait for the next Open Enrollment period, which typically runs October through December each year.
Sarasota Memorial accepts all traditional Medicare and supplemental plans. We are also in-network with some Medicare Advantage plans. Be sure to check your plan carefully to ensure your doctors and preferred hospital are an in-network provider with your Medicare Advantage plan.
Medicare Supplemental Plans: Standard vs. Select
Sarasota Memorial accepts all standard Medicare supplemental plans. Carefully evaluate any non-traditional supplemental plans. If you choose a Medicare Select supplemental plan, you may be responsible for the Part A deductible for any non-emergent inpatient hospital stay, as well as your 20% outpatient co-insurance amount (unlike standard supplements).
Medicare Plans
The following Medicare plans are currently accepted at SMH-Sarasota, SMH-Venice and Sarasota Memorial’s network of outpatient and urgent care centers:
Sarasota Memorial and our outpatient and urgent care centers may be out-of-network providers for any other Medicare Replacement/Advantage HMO, PPO or POS plans not listed above. If you have any questions about your plan coverage, contact your Medicare Replacement or Medicare Advantage health insurance company directly.