When you retire, you might initially believe Medicare alone will cover the bulk of your healthcare needs. You may assume you can go to any doctor or be admitted to any hospital where you live.

In fact, Medicare alone might be more restrictive than you previously imagined. However, you might make it work better for you when you supplement it with a reputable Medicare Advantage coverage plan.

Wider Network of Healthcare Providers

In truth, healthcare providers in your area may not readily accept just Medicare alone. Some doctors may only accept a few Medicare patients each year. Others may deny taking any Medicare patients at all.

However, when you add a Medicare Advantage coverage plan to your regular Medicare, you might get access to more healthcare providers where you live. These providers may accept patients who are covered under the health insurer brand that offers supplemental coverage. You may no longer have to rely solely on Medicare and instead can use the supplemental coverage to help secure healthcare providers you previously had care through or want to receive services from now.

Vision and Dental Care

Further, Medicare by itself may not offer much, if any, coverage for dental and vision services. You might be forced to pay for dental and vision appointments out of your own pocket, which can put you into serious debt.

Rather than accrue debt you may find difficult or impossible to pay off, you can take out a Medicare Advantage coverage plan. This plan may pay for most or all of your vision and dental services and spare you from taking on expenses you cannot pay for on your limited retirement income.

Prescription Services

Finally, Medicare Advantage coverage may give you access to prescription services that Medicare alone may not cover. You might get access to brand-name medications, for example. You may also get payment or reimbursement for mobility devices like canes, walkers, or crutches. This coverage may allow you to follow your doctor's orders better and avoid having to pick and choose what medications to take and what mobility devices to use to improve your everyday health.

Medicare Advantage coverage can offer you vital healthcare services when you retire. It may open up a wider network of healthcare providers where you live. You may also get access to vision and dental care and better coverage for brand-name medications, as well as payment for mobility devices. 

For more information on Medicare Advantage plans, contact a professional near you.