Compare Medicare Coverage Options

Original Medicare is the federal program. Medicare Advantage is a private plan that delivers those benefits. Three questions about doctors, travel, and the type of Medicare coverage you want. The result states what those answers imply.

Read: Medicare Advantage or a Supplement?

Two ways people get Medicare

Everyone has Part A and Part B. After that, there are two common paths. Neither is automatically better.

Starting point

Part AHospital

Part BDoctors and outpatient care

Original Medicare

Keep A and B, then add what you need.

Part DPrescription drugs, usually a separate plan

Medicare SupplementAlso called Medigap. A letter plan (such as G or N) to help with A and B costs

Often two or three insurance cards you will need to carry to office visits.

Medicare Advantage

One private plan that delivers Medicare (Part C).

A + BIncluded in the Advantage plan

Part DOften included

Usually one insurance card you will need to carry to office visits.

A Medicare Supplement (also called Medigap) does not work with Medicare Advantage. Confirm on Medicare.gov. Education only — not a plan pick.

Question 1 of 3

How do you want to see doctors and hospitals?

Choose the option that best describes what matters to you.

I want the freedom to see any doctor or hospital that accepts Original MedicareI’m comfortable using a provider network if my doctors are included

Always confirm with the doctor’s office that they accept your coverage and are accepting new patients.