Compare Your Medicare Options
Every Medicare beneficiary faces this choice. Here's how the three paths stack up, with no sales pitch.
Original Medicare + Medigap
Parts A & B + Medicare Supplement + standalone Part D
Medicare Advantage
Part C plan from a private insurer, usually includes drug coverage
Original Medicare Only
Parts A & B with no supplemental coverage
Part B premium + Medigap premium ($100-250/mo depending on plan and location) + Part D premium ($15-80/mo)
Part B premium + plan premium ($0-100/mo for most plans)
Part B premium only
Any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, anywhere in the U.S. No referrals needed.
Must use plan's network (HMO) or pay more for out-of-network (PPO). HMOs require referrals.
Any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. No referrals.
Little to nothing. Medigap covers most copays and coinsurance. Plan G: you pay the $257 Part B deductible, then essentially $0.
Copays for most services ($10-50 for doctor visits, $200-400/day for hospital). Costs vary by plan.
You pay 20% coinsurance for Part B services with no annual cap. Hospital costs add up fast.
Effectively capped. With Plan G, your max medical cost is around $257/year plus your premiums.
Capped by plan's MOOP (typically $3,500-8,300/year for in-network).
No cap. You pay 20% of all Part B costs with no limit.
Separate Part D plan required. You choose the best plan for your medications independently.
Usually included (MAPD). Convenient but you can't shop Part D separately.
Must add standalone Part D or face permanent late enrollment penalty.
No extras. Dental, vision, hearing, and fitness not included.
Many plans include dental, vision, hearing, gym memberships, meal delivery, transportation.
No extras.
Nationwide. Works anywhere a doctor accepts Medicare. Some plans cover foreign travel emergencies.
HMO plans typically limited to service area. PPO plans cover out-of-area at higher cost.
Nationwide for Medicare-accepting providers. No foreign coverage.
None. Medicare approves services based on medical necessity. No plan gatekeeping.
Plans can require prior authorization for services, referrals, and certain medications.
None.
Can switch to MA during AEP. May lose guaranteed Medigap rights if you switch and want to come back.
Can switch back to Original Medicare during AEP or MA OEP. But getting a Medigap policy after leaving may require medical underwriting.
Can add Medigap (may require underwriting) or switch to MA during AEP.
💰 Monthly Cost
🩺 Doctor Choice
🏥 Cost at Point of Care
🛡 Maximum Out-of-Pocket
💊 Drug Coverage
💫 Extra Benefits
✈ Travel Coverage
📋 Prior Authorization
🔄 Switching Later
Medigap Might Be Right If...
- You want predictable costs with almost no surprises
- You travel or split time between states
- You see specialists without wanting referrals
- You want to keep your current doctors regardless of network changes
- You prefer paying more monthly to avoid large bills when you're sick
Medicare Advantage Might Be Right If...
- You want lower monthly premiums
- You value dental, vision, and hearing coverage
- You're comfortable using a network of doctors
- You're in good health and don't use much healthcare
- You want drug coverage bundled with your medical plan
Original Medicare Only Is Usually...
- Not recommended long-term. The 20% coinsurance with no cap is a major financial risk.
- Sometimes used temporarily while transitioning between plans
- Acceptable if you have other coverage (VA, employer, Medicaid) filling the gaps
Understanding Part D Drug Coverage
Your Medications Determine Your Plan
Two Part D plans can cost dramatically different amounts for the same person. The right plan depends on exactly which drugs you take, the dosages, and the pharmacy you use.
Plans Change Every Year
Formularies, tiers, and costs change annually. A plan that was great this year might not be next year. Annual review during AEP is worth the effort.
The $2,100 Cap Is New
Starting in 2025, Part D has a hard out-of-pocket cap. This is a major change that protects people with expensive medications from catastrophic drug costs.
Dig Deeper
Each option has more to it than a comparison table can show. Our Learn section breaks down every piece of Medicare so you can make this decision with confidence.
Explore the Guides