Here is a side-by-side comparison of Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage:

Original Medicare:
  • Consists of Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance)
  • Covers hospital stays, doctor visits, durable medical equipment, and some preventive services
  • Does not have a yearly limit on out-of-pocket expenses
  • Does not cover all health care costs, such as co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles
  • Has no provider network, so beneficiaries can see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare
  • It does not include prescription drug coverage (Part D) which has to be purchased separately
Medicare Advantage
  • Offered by private insurance companies, but still overseen by Medicare
  • Must provide the same benefits as Original Medicare, but can also offer additional benefits such as routine vision and dental care, fitness benefits memberships, and more
  • Often has a maximum out-of-pocket limit for medical expenses each year
  • Usually has a network of providers, so beneficiaries must choose from a limited list of doctors and hospitals
  • May include prescription drug coverage as part of the plan (Part D)

Note: Please keep in mind that this is a general comparison, and specific benefits vary by plan.
Before making a decision, it is critical to review the details of each plan and understand the specific benefits and limitations.
 
 Before you complete the contact form please read the following disclaimer:

According to Medicare rules, we need your permission to contact you to discuss your Medicare plan options. The person who will be discussing plan options with you is with or contracted by a Medicare health plan or prescription drug plan that is NOT the Federal Government, and they may be compensated based on your enrollment in a plan. Discussing Medicare plans options does NOT affect your current enrollment, nor will it enroll you in a Medicare Advantage Plan, Prescription Drug Plan, or other Medicare plan. 
(We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options regarding Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement plans Prescription Drug plans.)