At Parkview Health, thousands of Medicare-eligible patients rely on us for care. During this Annual Enrollment Period, we want to help you understand all your paths: Traditional Medicare, Supplemental (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage. Explore your options and make informed decisions with clarity.
Medicare isn't one-size-fits-all. Here's a quick overview of each option:
Traditional Medicare (Parts A, B and D)
- You can use any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, anywhere in the U.S.
- Includes Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance)
- You can join Medicare Part D to get Medicare drug coverage.
- You can purchase Medigap, also called a Medicare Supplement, to cover out-of-pocket costs, such as 20 percent coinsurance.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- If you choose Medicare Advantage, you are not eligible for traditional Medicare coverage for that enrollment period.
- Medicare Advantage plans are sponsored by private insurance companies. They offer “bundled” services, including hospital care, outpatient care, and usually prescription drug coverage.
- Except for emergency services, Medicare Advantage plans may not be accepted by all providers, and only fully pay for services furnished by doctors and hospitals that are in network.
- Medicare Advantage plans often require prior approval for care and certain drugs.
- Medicare Advantage plans offer limited coverage for some services that are not covered by traditional Medicare, such as vision, hearing and dental.
Medicare Parts A and B, and Medicare Advantage Plans at a glance
| Medicare Parts A, B & D | Medicare Advantage (Part C) | |
|---|---|---|
| Administered by: | Federal government | Private insurance companies |
| Coverage? | Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) | Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) + optional extras |
| Do you pay a monthly premium? | Yes, for Part B. There is no Part A premium if you have at least 10 years of United States work history. | Yes, you still pay Medicare premiums and your plan may cost extra. |
| Cost to consumer? | You pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurances (usually 20 percent of the Medicare-approved cost for outpatient care). | You pay Medicare premiums and your plan's premiums, if it charges one. Your plan sets its own deductibles and copays (usually a fixed cost for each office visit). You may pay the full cost if you don't follow your plan's rules. |
| Supplemental insurance? | You can buy a Medicare Supplement policy (but only at certain times, depending on where you live). | You can't buy a Medicare Supplement policy to help pay your out-of-pocket costs in a Medicare Advantage plan. |
| Covered extra services? | No. Covers medically necessary inpatient and outpatient care. Doesn't cover certain services such as routine vision, hearing or dental care. | Maybe. May cover some services Medicare doesn't cover such as routine vision, hearing and dental care. All plans must cover the same inpatient and outpatient services Medicare covers. |
| Nationwide providers? | Yes, you can go to any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. | Usually not. Most people have HMOs, which typically have local networks of providers you must use for the plan to cover your care. PPOs and PFFS plans should cover care you get outside the network, but you will pay more. |
| Referral needed for specialists? | No, you don't need a referral. | Maybe. You often need to get a referral from your Primary Care Physician if you want to see a specialist. |
| Covers drugs? | No, but if you want Medicare prescription drug coverage, you can buy a separate Part D plan. | Usually. Most plans include Part D prescription drug coverage. You usually can't get a separate plan if you have a Medicare Advantage plan (some exceptions). |
| Out of pocket limits? | No. There's no cap on what you spend on healthcare. | Yes. Plans must have an annual out-of-pocket limit, which can be high but protects you if you need expensive care. The plan pays the full cost of your care after you reach the limit. |
Parkview In Network Medicare Advantage Plans (2026)
In 2026, the following plans will be accepted in Indiana only. Ohio participants will not change in 2026.
- United Healthcare Medicare Advantage
- Humana Medicare Advantage
- Aetna Medicare Advantage
The following plans are also accepted in Indiana with limited participation:
- Paramount Medicare Advantage – at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Parkview Hospital Randallia and Parkview Ortho Hospital only
- Anthem Medicare Advantage – for Fully Integrated Dual Eligible (FIDE) plans only
Please note that Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans, from any state, will not be accepted in Indiana in 2026.
This list is for informational purposes only and not an endorsement. Plan availability and benefits may vary and change annually. Please review details or consult SHIP or eHealth for personalized assistance.