What is a Medicare Advantage plan?
Original Medicare is the standard hospital (Part A) and medical (Part B) individual coverage offered by the federal government. Original Medicare does not cover some routine services, such as vision and dental.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered through private insurance companies. These plans offer a full range of benefits beyond the Part A and Part B coverage you get from Original Medicare.
As an extra convenience, many Medicare Advantage plans can also include Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage and important supplemental benefits. It eliminates the need for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy. Every Medicare Advantage plan is regulated by the government to ensure you get everything Original Medicare offers and more.
Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) are Medicare Advantage plans for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. Sentara Medicare offers D-SNPs to support the unique needs of individuals with limited income and resources. Our plans include extra benefits like care coordination, transportation, and allowances for dental, vision, and hearing services.
Part A: Hospital
- Inpatient hospital stay
- Skilled nursing facility
- Hospice care
- Skilled home health
Part B: Medical
- Doctors' services
- Outpatient care
- Medical supplies
- Preventive services
- Some drugs (specific criteria)
Part C: Medicare Advantage
- Combines Parts A and B with Managed Care
Part D: Prescription coverage
- Prescription drugs
Sentara Medicare versus Original Medicare
To ensure all of your needs are met, Medicare Advantage Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) offered by Sentara Medicare are comprehensive plans featuring hospital, medical, and prescription drug coverage. Plus, you'll get supplemental benefits and better protection from out-of-pocket costs.
| Sentara Medicare D-SNP (Medicare Advantage) |
Original Medicare | |
| Part A (Hospital insurance) | Sentara Medicare D-SNP (Medicare Advantage) | Original Medicare |
| Part B (Doctor and medical insurance) | Sentara Medicare D-SNP (Medicare Advantage) | Original Medicare |
| Part D (Prescription drug coverage) | Sentara Medicare D-SNP (Medicare Advantage) | Original Medicare |
| More predictable out-of-pocket costs | Sentara Medicare D-SNP (Medicare Advantage) | Original Medicare |
| Dental and vision benefits | Sentara Medicare D-SNP (Medicare Advantage) | Original Medicare |
| Fitness and wellness programs | Sentara Medicare D-SNP (Medicare Advantage) | Original Medicare |
| Virtual doctor appointments | Sentara Medicare D-SNP (Medicare Advantage) | Original Medicare |
| Sentara Medicare D-SNP (Medicare Advantage) | Original Medicare |
Medicare Basics
Learn about the basics of Medicare so you can make important decisions with confidence.Medicare Matters
Read about what matters to you in informative articles, like What is a D-SNP, Family caregiver resources, Where to go for care, and What is Medicare partial dual eligibility. Gaining knowledge can help you make informed decisions about your health and budget.
Receive help with prescription drug costs
People with limited resources and income may qualify for Extra Help to pay for their prescription drug costs. Extra Help is referred to as a low income subsidy (LIS) and helps pay for a part of your Part D monthly premium, annual deductible, and copayments.