Compare Your Medicare Options
Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage? Understand the key differences so you can choose the path that's right for your health needs and budget.
Two Ways to Get Your Medicare Benefits
Once you're enrolled in Medicare, you have a fundamental choice to make: stay with Original Medicare (Parts A and B from the federal government) or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C from a private insurer). Both options provide the same core Medicare benefits, but they differ significantly in how you access care, what you pay, and what extras are available.
There is no single "best" choice. The right option depends on your personal health needs, preferred doctors, prescription medications, travel habits, and budget. Below, we compare the two paths side by side.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Original Medicare + Medigap | Medicare Advantage (Part C) |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Part A (hospital) + Part B (medical). You may add a Medigap supplement and a standalone Part D drug plan. | Bundles Part A + Part B + usually Part D into one plan. Many plans add dental, vision, hearing, and other extras. |
| Monthly Cost | Part B premium + Medigap premium + Part D premium. Medigap premiums vary by plan letter and carrier. | Part B premium + plan premium (often $0). One premium covers medical, hospital, and usually drugs. |
| Out-of-Pocket Costs | Deductibles and coinsurance apply. A Medigap plan can cover most or all of these costs. No annual out-of-pocket maximum. | Copays and coinsurance per service. All plans include an annual out-of-pocket maximum, capping your yearly spending. |
| Doctor Choice | See any doctor or specialist in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. No referrals needed. | Must typically use in-network providers (HMO) or pay more for out-of-network (PPO). May need referrals for specialists. |
| Prescription Drugs | Not included. You must purchase a separate Part D plan for drug coverage. | Usually included in the plan. Drug coverage is built into your single plan premium. |
| Extra Benefits | Not available through Original Medicare. Must purchase separate dental, vision, and hearing coverage. | Many plans include dental, vision, hearing, fitness memberships, OTC allowances, meal delivery, and transportation. |
| Travel Coverage | Limited. Original Medicare generally does not cover care outside the U.S. Some Medigap plans offer foreign travel emergency coverage. | Varies by plan. Some PPO plans offer limited out-of-area or out-of-country emergency coverage. |
| Flexibility to Switch | You can switch Medigap plans, but medical underwriting may apply outside your initial open enrollment period. | You can switch plans during AEP (Oct 15 - Dec 7) each year and during OEP (Jan 1 - Mar 31) if already enrolled. |
Coverage
Part A (hospital) + Part B (medical). You may add a Medigap supplement and a standalone Part D drug plan.
Bundles Part A + Part B + usually Part D into one plan. Many plans add dental, vision, hearing, and other extras.
Monthly Cost
Part B premium + Medigap premium + Part D premium. Medigap premiums vary by plan letter and carrier.
Part B premium + plan premium (often $0). One premium covers medical, hospital, and usually drugs.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
Deductibles and coinsurance apply. A Medigap plan can cover most or all of these costs. No annual out-of-pocket maximum.
Copays and coinsurance per service. All plans include an annual out-of-pocket maximum, capping your yearly spending.
Doctor Choice
See any doctor or specialist in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. No referrals needed.
Must typically use in-network providers (HMO) or pay more for out-of-network (PPO). May need referrals for specialists.
Prescription Drugs
Not included. You must purchase a separate Part D plan for drug coverage.
Usually included in the plan. Drug coverage is built into your single plan premium.
Extra Benefits
Not available through Original Medicare. Must purchase separate dental, vision, and hearing coverage.
Many plans include dental, vision, hearing, fitness memberships, OTC allowances, meal delivery, and transportation.
Travel Coverage
Limited. Original Medicare generally does not cover care outside the U.S. Some Medigap plans offer foreign travel emergency coverage.
Varies by plan. Some PPO plans offer limited out-of-area or out-of-country emergency coverage.
Flexibility to Switch
You can switch Medigap plans, but medical underwriting may apply outside your initial open enrollment period.
You can switch plans during AEP (Oct 15 - Dec 7) each year and during OEP (Jan 1 - Mar 31) if already enrolled.
Which Option Might Be Right for You?
Original Medicare + Medigap May Be Better If You...
- Want the freedom to see any doctor or specialist nationwide without referrals
- Travel frequently or spend part of the year in another state
- Prefer predictable costs with minimal out-of-pocket surprises
- Have complex health needs requiring frequent specialist visits
- Are comfortable paying higher monthly premiums for lower cost-sharing at the point of care
Medicare Advantage May Be Better If You...
- Want the convenience of one plan covering medical, hospital, drugs, and extras
- Prefer low or $0 monthly premiums beyond your Part B premium
- Want an annual out-of-pocket maximum to protect against catastrophic costs
- Value extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness programs
- Are comfortable using a network of doctors and hospitals in your area
Important Considerations
You can change your mind. If you choose Medicare Advantage and later decide it's not the right fit, you can switch back to Original Medicare during the Annual Enrollment Period or the Open Enrollment Period. However, be aware that if you want to add a Medigap plan after your initial Medigap Open Enrollment Period has passed, you may be subject to medical underwriting and could be denied coverage or charged higher rates based on your health.
Review your plan annually. Medicare Advantage plans can change their benefits, costs, formularies, and provider networks each year. Even if you're happy with your current plan, it's wise to review your coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) to make sure it still meets your needs.
Your medications matter. When comparing options, always check that your prescriptions are covered and that your preferred pharmacy is in the plan's network. Drug costs can vary dramatically between plans.
Check your doctors. If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan, verify that your primary care physician, specialists, and preferred hospitals are in the plan's provider network.
Let Us Help You Compare
Our licensed agents will compare plans based on your doctors, medications, and budget to find the best option for you — at no cost.