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Alternative Healthcare Options
USC has partnered with Next Level Planning to provide education and enrollment support for Medicare and Marketplace health plan options. These options may be the best choice for you and your family, but we know they can be confusing. Next Level Planning is a free resource to help you understand your options and support enrollment should you choose to move forward.
COBRA Alternatives
If you are currently covered under COBRA, or considering COBRA, you may have lower cost options available through the Marketplace.
Every state offers a Health Insurance Marketplace (or “Exchange”) for individuals to find affordable and quality health insurance. If you become entitled to elect COBRA coverage when you otherwise would lose coverage under a group health plan, you should consider all options you may have to get other health coverage. There may be more affordable or more generous coverage options for you and your family through other group health plan coverage (such as a spouse's plan), the Marketplace or Medicaid.
Losing your employer coverage is a special enrollment event in the Marketplace. You could be eligible for a tax credit that lowers your monthly premiums and cost-sharing reductions (out-of-pocket costs for deductibles, coinsurance and copayments), and you can see what your premium, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs will be before you make a decision to enroll.
Medicare
There are multiple opportunities when you can enroll in Medicare.
Elect to enroll at age 65 or wait until current coverage ends when you leave Employer Coverage
If you elect to enroll at age 65, you can enroll up to 3 months prior to age 65 by contacting Medicare
If you enroll later, you have 63 days after coverage ends to enroll in Medicare. Proof of prior medical coverage is required
Medicare Advantage Plans vs Medicare Supplement Plans*
Medicare Part B does not include an out-of-pocket maximum. You can purchase Medicare Advantage or Supplement Plans to provide protection against high dollar claims.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans
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Combine medical coverage and typically include prescription drug coverage.
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Low or no monthly premium (often $0–$50), in addition to your Medicare Part B premium.
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Usually no deductible; instead, you’ll pay copays or coinsurance for services.
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Annual out-of-pocket maximum (often around $5,000) provides cost protection.
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Requires using a provider network (HMO or PPO). UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest providers.
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May include extra benefits such as dental, vision, or hearing, depending on the plan.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans
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Help cover out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare, such as deductibles and coinsurance (coverage depends on plan type).
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Most popular option is Plan G, with monthly premiums around $150–$225.
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Small annual Part B deductible (currently $257 in 2025) before coverage begins.
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No prescription drug coverage included—must purchase a separate Part D plan (averages about $30/month).
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No provider networks—you can see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare nationwide.
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Does not include dental, vision, or hearing coverage.
*Underwriting may be required to switch between Medicare Advantage and Supplement Plans.
Request a One-on-One Consultation
If you would like to schedule a consultation with Next Level Planning, please complete the Permission to Contact Form.
The form requests basic information to identify what type of health plan options you may be considering and provides the best way to get in contact with you. You will be contacted by a representative within 10 business days.
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