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Medicare open enrollment runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. During this period, Medicare enrollees 65 and older can switch plans. Options include traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

Unlike Medicare provided by the government, Advantage plans are private insurance. Forty-two percent of beneficiaries today have the Advantage program. What is the reason? They often have lower premiums and additional benefits. There are currently 33 plans to choose from.

But let the buyer beware: they could cost more in the end. Most qualified individuals will get multiple fliers in the mail and increasing robo calls. Advantage programs are managed care, requiring a preferred provider, health maintenance plans, or in-network physicians and hospitals.

Part A Medicare is free, but you must pay for Part B and Medigap if you choose. There are 10 Medigap plans. Supplemental coverage through AARP, Healthchoice (or other providers that pick up where Medicare leaves off) can run several hundred dollars, but restrictions are few.

Advantage programs with prescription drug coverage average $21 per month but the previously mentioned restrictions apply and you may be responsible for in-network costs of up to $5,100. The Kaiser Family Foundation found that 19% of Medicare Advantage enrollees had trouble paying costs in 2018 compared to 12% of traditional Medicare/Medigap beneficiaries.

Medicare.gov has a tool to help you decide. Click on “Health and Drug Plans.”

Advantage plans may offer perks such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage and even gym membership. Being sick is bad enough but failing to plan for it makes it worse.