Trusted Senior Care Insurance Services

Franklin Benefits Group helps clients compare Original Medicare, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and Part D prescription drug plans. The comparison can include monthly premiums, deductibles, copays, provider networks, prescription formularies, prior-authorization rules, out-of-pocket maximums, and added benefits. The goal is to understand how each option would work with your individual healthcare needs.

Medicare Supplement plans work alongside Original Medicare and can help pay certain Medicare-approved out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers and provide Medicare-covered services through a plan with its own network, rules, and annual out-of-pocket maximum. Many Advantage plans also include Part D and supplemental benefits. The right fit depends on provider preferences, budget, medications, and comfort with plan networks.

For Medicare Advantage plans, it is important to confirm whether each preferred doctor, specialist, and hospital participates in the plan’s network. Provider participation can change, so it should be checked during plan selection and annual reviews. Original Medicare paired with a Supplement plan generally offers broader provider access among providers that accept Medicare, while separate Part D coverage still requires prescription review.

Yes. Part D comparisons should account for your specific medications, dosage, preferred pharmacies, plan formularies, coverage tiers, deductibles, and pharmacy network. A plan with a low premium may not deliver the lowest overall medication cost. Reviewing drug coverage before enrolling, and again during the Annual Enrollment Period, can help identify whether another available plan better matches your current prescriptions.

Enrollment opportunities depend on your situation. Your Initial Enrollment Period generally surrounds your Medicare eligibility date. The Annual Enrollment Period provides an opportunity to review and change Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage for the following year. Certain life events, such as moving or losing other coverage, may create a Special Enrollment Period. Medicare Supplement timing and underwriting rules can also vary.

Yes. Annual reviews are valuable because plan premiums, drug formularies, provider networks, copays, and supplemental benefits can change from year to year. Your own health needs and prescriptions may change as well. Reviewing your coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period helps ensure your plan still supports your doctors, medications, expected care, travel arrangements, and budget for the coming year.

Original Medicare generally does not cover most routine dental, vision, or hearing care. Some Medicare Advantage plans may include supplemental benefits for these services, although benefit amounts, provider networks, waiting periods, and limitations differ by plan. Franklin Benefits Group can help you review available benefits alongside medical and prescription coverage, so you understand both the included services and any remaining out-of-pocket responsibility.

Bring your current insurance cards, a list of prescriptions with dosages, preferred doctors and hospitals, pharmacy preferences, and any expected healthcare needs. It is also helpful to share your budget priorities, travel or seasonal-living plans, and whether dental, vision, hearing, or other supplemental benefits matter to you. This information supports a more accurate, personalized comparison.